German-born composer Hans Zimmer is recognized as one of Hollywood's most innovative musical talents. Some of his impressive scores include Pearl Harbor, The Ring, four films directed by Ridley Scott: Matchstick Men, Hannibal, Black Hawk Down, and Thelma & Louise.

In 2000, Zimmer scored the music for Gladiator, for which he received an Oscar nomination, in addition to Golden Globe and Broadcast Film Critics Awards for his epic score.