Memphis’ Boo Mitchell and Eric Gales earn Grammy spotlight as ‘Sinners’ soundtrack takes honors
Memphis-linked credits surfaced prominently in the Recording Academy’s visual media categories
Memphis studio veteran Boo Mitchell and Memphis-born guitarist Eric Gales were among the local connections tied to Grammy-winning music from the 2025 feature film Sinners, which collected top honors in the Recording Academy’s visual media fields on Feb. 1, 2026.
The project won awards for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (for Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score)) and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media (for Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)). The score was composed by Ludwig Göransson and released on April 18, 2025, the same day as the film’s U.S. theatrical release.
Boo Mitchell’s role: music contracting and Memphis recording tied to the film’s blues-rooted approach
Mitchell’s name appears in music credits connected to the orchestral production of the film’s score, with responsibilities including orchestra contracting. In addition, recording sessions for soundtrack material took place at Royal Studios in Memphis, a facility long associated with Mitchell’s work. The soundtrack lineup spans blues and roots performers alongside contemporary artists, reflecting the film’s period setting and its broader musical palette.
Mitchell is already a recognized figure at the Grammys, with prior wins including Best Traditional Blues Album for I Be Trying at the 64th Grammy Awards. His presence in the credits of a major visual-media winner underscores how behind-the-scenes Memphis production continues to intersect with national entertainment projects.
Eric Gales’ contribution: featured guitar work on the score
Gales is credited as a featured guitarist on key cues from the Sinners score, including tracks titled “Grand Closin’” and “Elijah.” His involvement aligns with the score’s documented reliance on blues timbres and instruments, including resonator guitar textures integrated into orchestral writing.
Context: a film music campaign that carried through award season
Sinners premiered April 3, 2025, and developed into an awards-season fixture with major recognition for its music, including a Golden Globe win for Best Original Score for Göransson in January 2026. The Grammys’ visual media awards added recording-industry recognition to a run that also included extensive Academy Awards attention for the film overall.
Event date: Feb. 1, 2026 (68th Annual Grammy Awards)
Winning categories: Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media; Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media
Memphis ties: Royal Studios recording involvement; Boo Mitchell credited in music production roles; Eric Gales featured on score tracks
Across both the orchestral score and the multi-artist soundtrack album, Sinners positioned blues-rooted music as a central component of its visual-media identity—an approach that helped place Memphis-linked credits on Grammy night.