Justin Hurwitz

Early Life

Justin Hurwitz was born to Gail Hurwitz, a professional ballet dancer turned registered nurse, and Ken Hurwitz, a writer. His diverse heritage includes Russian, Polish, Syrian, and Lebanese roots. Hurwitz attended Harvard University, where he formed a close friendship with director Damien Chazelle. Together, they collaborated on a student film that would later evolve into the feature film "Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench," released in 2009. During his time at Harvard, he was also a member of the Harvard Lampoon and co-founded the indie-pop band Chester French with Chazelle.

Career

After graduating, Hurwitz and Chazelle relocated to Los Angeles, where Hurwitz initially wrote comedy for the sitcom "The League" and contributed to an episode of "The Simpsons." Their breakthrough came with the film "Whiplash" in 2014, which was a significant box office success, grossing over $50 million on a modest budget of $3.3 million. Hurwitz's score for the film garnered critical acclaim, paving the way for further collaborations with Chazelle. He scored the 2016 musical film "La La Land," which won Chazelle the Academy Award for Best Director and earned Hurwitz two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Hurwitz continues to work with Chazelle, with plans to return as a songwriter for the upcoming stage musical adaptation of "La La Land."

Legacy

Justin Hurwitz is recognized as a prominent film composer, known for his innovative scores that enhance the storytelling of the films he collaborates on. His partnership with Damien Chazelle has not only shaped his career but has also left a significant mark on contemporary cinema, showcasing the power of music in film. With multiple awards to his name, including Academy and Golden Globe Awards, Hurwitz's contributions to film music continue to resonate with audiences and inspire future composers.