Hildur Guðnadottir

Full biography Hildur Guðnadottir

Hildur Guðnadóttir is a contemporary Icelandic composer and cellist, known for her innovative and experimental music. Born into a family of musicians, Hildur began playing the cello at the age of four and went on to study classical music at the Iceland Academy of Arts. It was during her studies there that Hildur started experimenting with different sounds and techniques that would eventually pave the way for her avant-garde style.

Hildur's work spans a variety of mediums, including film, television, and theater. She has collaborated with renowned directors such as Denis Villeneuve and Todd Phillips, contributing music to films like "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" and "Joker." In addition to her film work, Hildur has also composed for several television series, including "Chernobyl" and "Trapped."

In 2020, Hildur became the first woman in history to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score for her work on "Joker." Her haunting and atmospheric score, which heavily relied on the use of the cello and her own voice, perfectly captured the film's dark and brooding tone.

Beyond her film and television work, Hildur has also released several solo albums, including her critically acclaimed 2019 album "Chernobyl," which features music from the HBO series of the same name. Hildur's music is characterized by its emotional depth, experimental nature, and use of unconventional sounds. She continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary music, cementing her place as one of the most innovative composers of her generation.