“MPSE Golden Reel Awards: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Costner & Greg Hedgepath Highlight the Art of Sound Design”
The 72nd Annual MPSE Golden Reel Awards Honors Excellence in Sound Editing with Spotlight on Industry Icons
The Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) hosted the 72nd Golden Reel Awards on Sunday night at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in sound editing across a wide range of categories, including feature films, television, gaming, interactive media, and student projects.
In his opening remarks, MPSE President David Barber emphasized the often-unseen yet powerful role of sound in storytelling. “Sound is an invisible art,” Barber said. “It’s both physical and emotional, and while it often goes unnoticed, it’s essential to how audiences experience a story.” He highlighted the organization’s ongoing mission to elevate the craft through visibility, education, and inspiration. “Let’s get people as excited about what they hear as they are about what they see.”
Returning to host the ceremony for the third year in a row, comedian and actor Patton Oswalt brought humor and insight to the stage. He opened the night with a satirical “moment of silence” that involved him screaming into his hands — a nod to the chaotic state of the entertainment industry in early 2025. Oswalt also took jabs at studio executives who’ve pulled content from streaming platforms for tax purposes, joking, “Wilhelm has lost his scream.”
In a tribute to the sound professionals in the room, Oswalt praised their ability to create immersive auditory experiences: “You’re magicians,” he said. “From the chilling hollowness in Nosferatu to the awkward realism of an open mic night in Baby Reindeer, your work transforms how we feel and perceive every frame.”
The night’s top honor in gaming went to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which earned two Golden Reel Awards, making it the most awarded project of the evening. In the film categories, notable winners included Wicked, The Wild Robot, Emilia Pérez, and Dune: Part Two. On the television side, Shōgun, The Penguin, and Arcane took home awards for their exemplary sound work.
Two special honorary awards were presented to individuals whose careers have significantly shaped the sound industry. Academy Award-winner Kevin Costner was recognized for his ongoing contributions to cinematic storytelling, while veteran sound editor Greg Hedgepath received the Career Achievement Award.
Hedgepath, an Emmy-nominated supervising sound editor, reflected on his 30+ year career, which includes collaborations with industry titans like George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. From major blockbusters such as Twister to critically acclaimed titles like Hustle & Flow, Hedgepath has left an enduring mark on the sound editing field. He shared personal anecdotes from his early life in Washington D.C.’s Shepherd Park neighborhood and recounted his first experience with workplace microaggressions — a poignant reminder of the challenges faced even within creative communities.
