Johann Johannsson, ‘Sicario’ and ‘Arrival’ Composer, Found Dead at 48

He was nominated for Oscars for “The Theory of Everything” and “Sicario”

Jóhann Jóhannsson composer

Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, known for his celebrated work on “Sicario,” “The Theory of Everything” and “Arrival,” was found dead in his Berlin apartment. He was 48.

“I’m so very sad. Today, I lost my friend who was one of the most talented musicians and intelligent people I knew. We came a long way together,” Jóhannsson’s manager, Tim Husom, said in a statement on Saturday. The composer was found Friday, and his cause of his death is unknown.

Known for compositions that blended electronics with classical orchestrations, Jóhannsson was one of the most in-demand film composers of his generation. The Icelandic composed music for theater, dance, TV and films. “Sicario” and “The Theory of Everything” earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score, and the latter won him a Golden Globe.

Most recently, he was the music and sound consultant for “mother!” His work will also be heard in the upcoming Rooney Mara film, “Mary Magdalene.”

Jóhannsson began his musical career in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he played guitar in indie rock bands while studying languages and literature. In 1999, he co-founded the think tank and music label, “Kitchen Motors,” which encouraged collaboration between artists from different genres.

He released his first solo album, “Englabörn,” in 2002, which was followed by “Virðulegu Forsetar.” “Fordlândia,” “IBM 1401 – A User’s Manual,” “The Miners’ Hymns” and “Orphée.”

His representative at Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency said in a statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our client and dear friend Jóhann Jóhannsson, whose great talent, humility and kindness enriched our lives immeasurably. His music has inspired many new generations of filmmakers and composers. He will be so greatly missed by his Gorfaine/Schwartz family as well as the entire film music community.”

Jóhannsson is survived by his parents, sisters and daughter.

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