This Super Mario medley just won a Grammy Award

February 2, 2026 - 23:22

A stunning orchestral arrangement of music from the beloved Super Mario franchise has claimed a Grammy Award, marking a significant moment for video game scores on music's biggest stage. The "8-Bit Big Band" ensemble, featuring trumpeter Charlie Rosen and saxophonist Jake Silverman, took home the award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for their vibrant "The Super Mario Bros. Movie™ Medley."

The winning piece is a dynamic and sophisticated big-band journey through the iconic themes of Koji Kondo, originally composed for Nintendo's legendary plumber. This victory underscores the growing artistic recognition of video game music, celebrating its complexity and cultural impact alongside traditional genres.

In a related win, composer Austin Wintory secured the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games for his work on Aliens: Fireteam Elite. These awards collectively represent a milestone, highlighting how the rich, narrative-driven compositions of video games are now firmly established as a powerful and respected force within the broader music industry. The recognition serves as a testament to the talented composers and arrangers who continue to elevate game soundtracks to new artistic heights.