The Fabelmans (soundtrack)

John Williams received acclaim for his score.

The score by John Williams received acclaim from critics, with some calling it "one of his best scores".[10][11] Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly called it a "lofty, glimmering score".[12] Jericho Tadeo of MovieWeb wrote: "John Williams' score, yet another with an established working relationship with Spielberg, is the musical heartbeat of The Fabelmans, at once grand and whispering when the moment calls for it."[13] Apart from complimenting Williams' score, Deadline Hollywood writer Pete Hammond praised the use of pop songs of the time like "Walk On By" and "Goodbye Cruel World" that "really takes us right back there with Spielberg himself".[14] Ross Bonaime called it "naturally moving".[15] J. Don Birnam of Below The Line wrote that John Williams "offers up another fresh score that merges seamlessly into the proceedings".[16] JoBlo.com said: "John Williams contributes a sparse score, with much of the film scored by Mitzi’s piano playing."[17] Reuben Baron of Looper called Williams' score "great".[18]

Music critic Jonathan Broxton, wrote "The Fabelmans is, at its core, an intimate portrait of a 50-year friendship, filled with the quiet dignity that befits what is, basically, two old men looking back on the personal and professional life they have shared. There’s a sense of finality here, a coda to a life that has included heroic marches and moments of soaring triumph, epic battles, passionate romantic love, and deep, powerful emotions, but which is now about winding down, looking back at all the things that led them to this moment in time, and smiling in quiet satisfaction."[19]

With The Fablemans' strong critical response at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere, possibilities of nominations in major ceremonies were highlighted by media and industry, with Williams getting the final nomination for Best Original Score at the 95th Academy Awards being possible.[9][20] GoldDerby predicted that Williams' score is considered as the leading contender for that category,[21] while also predicting the possibilites of a win.[22] IndieWire reported that Williams' score will be shortlisted as the eligiblity requirement for a score that consisted of pre-existing recorded material was lowered down to 35 percent. The film's score album included classical pieces from several composers in the 1950s and 1960s. This rule would benefit the possible nomination of the film's score.[23] Variety also considered Williams' score as one of the strong contenders for Best Original Score at the 80th Golden Globe Awards.[24]