Harry Gregson-Williams
Backgroundnon_performing_personnel
Birth date13 December 1961 (age 64)
Birth placeChichester, England
GenreFilm scores · video game scores · soundtracks · classical rock · jazz rock · electronic rock
OccupationComposer · conductor · orchestrator
InstrumentsVocals · piano · keyboards · synthesizer · percussion · guitar
Years active1990–present
LabelWavecrest
SpouseMalika Gregson-Williams (m. 2024)

Harry Gregson-Williams (born 13 December 1961)[1] is an English composer, conductor, orchestrator, and record producer. He has composed music for video games, television and films including the Metal Gear series, Phone Booth, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Team America: World Police, Antz, The Tigger Movie, Chicken Run and its sequel, the Shrek franchise, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, Flushed Away, Arthur Christmas, Early Man, Catch-22, and several films from Scott Free Productions and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. He is also the older brother of fellow composer Rupert Gregson-Williams.

Gregson-Williams collaborated with several film directors such as Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Andrew Adamson, Ben Affleck, Joel Schumacher, Antoine Fuqua, Niki Caro, Nick Park, and Peter Lord.

Education

Gregson-Williams won a musical scholarship to St John's College School in Cambridge at the age of seven. He was a child chorister at the school. He later attended Stowe School, an independent boarding school in the civil parish of Stowe in Buckinghamshire, where he was a music scholar. He next went to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.[2]

He learned to play the piano as a child on a Broadwood piano which his father had bought with the winnings from a hundred-to-one bet during the Grand National.[3]

Discography

Film

1990s

YearTitleDirector(s)Studio(s)Notes
1990RevengeTony ScottRastarAdditional music
Director's cut
1991Cold HeavenNicolas RoegHemdaleMusic associate
1994White AngelChris JonesLiving Spirit Pictures
Broken HeartMatt McConaghyITV YorkshireShort film
1995Hotel ParadiseNicolas RoegWestdeutscher RundfunkShort film
Three Miles UpLesley ManningTV movie
Full Body MassageNicolas RoegParamount Television
Showtime Networks
TV movie
1996The Whole Wide WorldDan IrelandSony Pictures ClassicsCo-composed with Hans Zimmer
Witness Against HitlerBetsan Morris EvansBBCTV movie
The RockMichael BayHollywood PicturesMusic producer with Hans Zimmer
Score composed by Hans Zimmer and Nick Glennie-Smith
1997Smilla's Sense of SnowBille AugustDet Danske Filminstitut
Bavaria Film
Constantin Film
Fox Searchlight Pictures (US)
Co-composed with Hans Zimmer
DeceiverJonas Pate
Josh Pate
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
The BorrowersPeter HewittWorking Title Films
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Gramercy Pictures
1998The Replacement KillersAntoine FuquaBrillstein Entertainment Partners
Columbia Pictures
AntzEric Darnell
Tim Johnson
Pacific Data Images
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Pictures
Co-composed with John Powell
First score for an animated film
The Prince of EgyptBrenda Chapman
Steve Hickner
Simon Wells
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Pictures
As conductor
Co-composed with Hans Zimmer for the song number "All I Ever Wanted"
Enemy of the StateTony ScottJerry Bruckheimer Films
Scott Free Productions
Touchstone Pictures
Co-composed with Trevor Rabin
ArmageddonMichael BayTouchstone Pictures
Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Valhalla Motion Pictures
Co-composed with Trevor Rabin, Steve Jablonsky, Don L. Harper, Paul Linford and John Van Tongeren
1999Swing VoteDavid AnspaughColumbia TriStar Television
ABC
TV movie
The MatchMick DavisGramercy Pictures
Light It UpCraig Bolotin20th Century Fox
Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?Peter HewittIntermedia

2000s

YearTitleDirector(s)Studio(s)Notes
2000The Tigger MovieJun FalkensteinDisneyToon Studios
Walt Disney Pictures
The Magic of MarcianoTony BarbieriOutrider Pictures
Chicken RunPeter Lord
Nick Park
Aardman Animations
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Pictures (Worldwide)
Pathé (Europe)
As composer and conductor
Co-composed with John Powell
King of the JungleSeth Zvi RosenfeldUrbanworld Films
2001Spy KidsRobert RodriguezTroublemaker Studios
Dimension Films
Co-composed with John Debney, Danny Elfman, Los Lobos, Robert Rodriguez, Heitor Pereira, and Gavin Greenaway
ShrekAndrew Adamson
Vicky Jenson
PDI/DreamWorks
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Pictures
As composer and conductor
Co-composed with John Powell
The HireAlejandro González IñárrituBMW FilmsSegment: "Powder Keg"
Spy GameTony ScottBeacon Pictures
Universal Pictures
2002PassionadaDan IrelandSamuel Goldwyn Films
Phone BoothJoel SchumacherZucker/Netter
20th Century Fox
The HireTony ScottBMW FilmsSegment: "Beat the Devil"
2003Sinbad: Legend of the Seven SeasTim Johnson
Patrick Gilmore
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Pictures
As composer and conductor
Veronica GuerinJoel SchumacherJerry Bruckheimer Films
Touchstone Pictures
The RundownPeter BergStrike Entertainment
WWE Films
Universal Pictures (North America and Japan)
Columbia Pictures (International)
2004Man on FireTony ScottScott Free Productions
Regency Enterprises
20th Century Fox
Co-composed with Lisa Gerrard
Shrek 2Andrew Adamson
Kelly Asbury
Conrad Vernon
PDI/DreamWorks
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Pictures
As composer and conductor
Return to SenderBille AugustDEJ Productions
Team America: World PoliceTrey ParkerParamount PicturesReplaced Marc Shaiman
Bridget Jones: The Edge of ReasonBeeban KidronStudioCanal
Working Title Films
Miramax Films
Universal Pictures
2005Kingdom of HeavenRidley ScottStudio Babelsberg
Scott Free Productions
20th Century Fox
As composer and conductor
Replaced Hans Zimmer
DominoTony ScottScott Free Productions
Davis Films
New Line Cinema
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the WardrobeAndrew AdamsonWalden Media
Walt Disney Pictures
As composer and conductor
2006The UninvitedLouise RungeLogo TVShort film
Seraphim FallsDavid Von AnckenIcon Productions
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Destination Films
Flushed AwayDavid Bowers
Sam Fell
Aardman Animations
DreamWorks Animation
Paramount Pictures
As composer and conductor
Déjà VuTony ScottJerry Bruckheimer Films
Scott Free Productions
Touchstone Pictures
2007The Number 23Joel SchumacherNew Line Cinema
Shrek the ThirdChris Miller
Raman Hui
PDI/DreamWorks
DreamWorks Animation
Paramount Pictures
As composer and conductor
Gone Baby GoneBen AffleckThe Ladd Company
Miramax Films
SlipstreamAnthony HopkinsStrand Releasing
Destination Films
Music producer
Score composed by Anthony Hopkins
2008EmTony BarbieriSnagFilms
Vanguard Cinema
The Forbidden KingdomRob MinkoffLionsgate
Relativity Media
Casey Silver Productions
Huayi Brothers
Score producer
Score composed by David Buckley
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince CaspianAndrew AdamsonWalden Media
Walt Disney Pictures
As composer and conductor
Also voiced Patterwig the Squirrel
JoleneDan IrelandE1 EntertainmentAlso music producer
2009X-Men Origins: WolverineGavin HoodSeed Productions
Marvel Entertainment
20th Century Fox
As composer and conductor
Additional music by Hybrid and Halli Cauthery
The Taking of Pelham 123Tony ScottEscape Artists
Scott Free Productions
Relativity Media
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Columbia Pictures
Additional music by Hybrid

2010s

YearTitleDirector(s)Studio(s)Notes
2010TwelveJoel SchumacherRadar Pictures
Hannover House
Gaumont
Shrek Forever AfterMike MitchellDreamWorks Animation
Paramount Pictures
As composer and conductor
Prince of Persia: The Sands of TimeMike NewellJerry Bruckheimer Films
Walt Disney Pictures
Additional music by Halli Cauthery and David Buckley
As composer and conductor
The TownBen AffleckGK Films
Legendary Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures
Co-composed with David Buckley
UnstoppableTony ScottScott Free Productions
Dune Entertainment
20th Century Fox
Additional music by Justin Caine Burnett
2011Life in a DayKevin MacdonaldNational Geographic Films
Cowboys & AliensJon FavreauPlatinum Studios
Fairview Entertainment
Imagine Entertainment
DreamWorks Pictures
Universal Pictures (North America)
Paramount Pictures (International)
Additional music by Halli Cauthery
Hybrid provided sound design textures[4]
Arthur ChristmasSarah SmithAardman Animations
Sony Pictures Animation
Columbia Pictures
Also music producer and conductor
Replaced Michael Giacchino and Adam Cohen
2012PrometheusRidley ScottScott Free Productions
Brandywine Productions
Dune Entertainment
20th Century Fox
Two tracks ("Life" and "We Were Right")
Main score by Marc Streitenfeld
I Am BadDavid RackoffOneZero Productions
Total RecallLen WisemanOriginal Film
Columbia Pictures
Additional music by Hybrid
As composer and music producer
Orchestra conducted by Gavin Greenaway
2013The EastZal BatmanglijScott Free Productions
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Themes
Main score by Halli Cauthery
Mr. PipAndrew AdamsonOlympus Pictures
2014Hate from a DistanceDan IrelandPrivarte PicturesCo-composed with Tom Howe
The EqualizerAntoine FuquaEscape Artists
Village Roadshow Pictures
Columbia Pictures
Additional music by Hybrid
2015BlackhatMichael MannLegendary Pictures
Universal Pictures
Co-composed with Atticus Ross, Ryan Amon, and Leo Ross
Monkey KingdomMark Linfield
Alastair Fothergill
Disneynature
The MartianRidley ScottGenre Films
Scott Free Productions
20th Century Fox
As composer and conductor
Miss You AlreadyCatherine HardwickeLionsgate (US)
Entertainment One (UK)
2016ConfirmationRick FamuyiwaHBOTV movie
Additional music by Stephanie Economou
Live by NightBen AffleckWarner Bros. Pictures
Appian Way Productions
Pearl Street Films
Additional music by Stephanie Economou
As composer and conductor
2017The Zookeeper's WifeNiki CaroFocus FeaturesAdditional music by Stephanie Economou
As composer and conductor
BreathSimon BakerSee Pictures
Windalong
Gran Via
FilmRise
Additional music by Stephanie Economou
Alien: CovenantRidley ScottScott Free Productions
Brandywine Productions
20th Century Fox
Two tracks ("Life" and "We Were Right")
Main score by Jed Kurzel
2018Early ManNick ParkStudioCanal
Aardman Animations
Co-composed with Tom Howe
Additional music by Paul Mounsey
Orchestra conducted with Gavin Greenaway
The Equalizer 2Antoine FuquaColumbia Pictures
Escape Artists
Additional music by Stephanie Economou
The MegJon TurteltaubWarner Bros. PicturesAdditional music by Stephanie Economou
As composer and conductor
2019PenguinsAlastair Fothergill
Jeff Wilson
Disneynature

2020s

YearTitleDirector(s)Studio(s)Notes
2020MulanNiki CaroWalt Disney PicturesThemes by Jerry Goldsmith
Additional music by Stephanie Economou and Tom Howe
2021InfiniteAntoine FuquaParamount+
The Last DuelRidley Scott20th Century Studios
Scott Free Productions
House of GucciMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Bron Creative
United Artists Releasing
Scott Free Productions
Al KameenPierre MorelAGC Studios
Image Nation Abu Dhabi
2022Return to SpaceJimmy Chin
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
NetflixCo-composed with Mychael Danna
Polar BearAlastair Fothergill
Jeff Wilson
Disneynature
2023Meg 2: The TrenchBen WheatleyWarner Bros. Pictures
RetributionNimród AntalLionsgate
Roadside Attractions
Chicken Run: Dawn of the NuggetSam FellNetflix
Aardman Animations
2024Gladiator IIRidley ScottParamount Pictures
Scott Free Productions
Red Wagon Entertainment
2025NormalBen WheatleyAmazon MGM StudiosComposed with Ryder McNair
2026The Dog StarsRidley Scott20th Century Studios
Scott Free Productions

Television

YearTitleNotes
1991G.B.H.2 episodes
music coordinator
1992Champion Children
1999The HungerEpisode: "Sanctuary"
2002'
2004Father of the Pride3 episodes
2007–2008The Riches
2007Shrek the HallsTV special
2017–2018Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams
2019Whiskey CavalierComposed with Tom Howe
2019Catch-22Composed with Rupert Gregson-Williams
2020ManhuntComposed season 2 with Stephanie Economou
2020Amazing StoriesEpisode: "Signs of Life"
2022–2025The Gilded AgeComposed with Rupert Gregson-Williams
[5]
2025UnderdogsComposed with Ho-Ling Tang and Ryder McNair

Video games

YearTitleNotes
2001Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of LibertyWith Norihiko Hibino
2004Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake EaterWith Norihiko Hibino
2007Call of Duty 4: Modern WarfareMain theme only and music producer
With Stephen Barton
2008Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the PatriotsWith Nobuko Toda, Shuichi Kobori, and Kazuma Jinnouchi
2014Metal Gear Solid V: Ground ZeroesWith Ludvig Forssell
2014Call of Duty: Advanced WarfareMain title and themes only
With audiomachine (Paul Dinletir and Kevin Rix)
2015Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom PainMusic producer
Score composed by Ludvig Forssell,
Justin Burnett and Daniel James

Rides

YearTitleNotes
2001Shrek 4-DAt various theme parks around the world.
Based on the Shrek film franchise.

Awards and nominations

YearOrganizationCategoryWorkResultRef.
2001Annie AwardsOutstanding Achievement for Music in a Feature ProductionShrek[a][6]
2001Saturn AwardsSaturn Award for Best Music[7]
2001British Academy of Film and Television ArtsBest Original Music[8]
2009BAFTA Game AwardsBritish Academy Games Award for MusicMetal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
2018Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)Electric Dreams: The Commute[9]
2022Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or SpecialReturn to Space[10]
2024Hollywood Music in Media AwardsHollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Score in a Feature FilmGladiator II[11]
  1. ^ Shared with John Powell

References

  1. ^ "Harry Gregson-Williams". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  2. ^ "Harry Gregson-Williams". Stowe School. Archived 13 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  3. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Creative Cribs – Harry Gregson-Williams". 22 February 2016. – via YouTube
  4. ^ "Cowboys & Aliens". Hybrid Scores website. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  5. ^ "Harry Gregson-Williams Scoring Nimrod Antal's 'Retribution' ('The Ambush')". Film Music Reporter. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  6. ^ "Annie Awards: Legacy - 29th Annual Annie Awards". Annie Awards. Archived 2008-05-09 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  7. ^ B, Brian (2002-06-13). "The 2001 Saturn Awards". MovieWeb. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  8. ^ "Harry Gregson-Williams". BAFTA. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  9. ^ "Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Series, Movie Or Special (Original Dramatic Score) 2018 - Nominees & Winners". Television Academy. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  10. ^ "Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score) 2022 - Nominees & Winners". Television Academy. Retrieved 2025-07-02.
  11. ^ Willman, Chris (2024-11-06). "Hollywood Music in Media Awards Noms Led by 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Blitz,' With Elton John, Hans Zimmer and Scores More Among the Nominees". Variety. Retrieved 2025-07-02.