Train Dreams Score: Oscar-Shortlisted Soundtrack Brought to Life
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The quietest Oscar-contending film made some stunning noise during a one-night-only event this week.
Train Dreams‘ composer Bryce dessner, accompanied by the Wordless Music Orchestra, performed the filmS Oscar-shortlisted score live to screen before a packed house of Academy and guild voters at Hollywood’s Egyptian Theater on Jan. 8.
“This is such a beautiful way to feel the score come to life,” director Clint Bentley remarked before the performance,admitting,”I’m a little bit overwhelmed emotionally.”
“It’s incredibly rare to get the prospect to present to present a score with a live orchestra,” noted Dessner, whose screen work also includes The Revenant and Sing Sing and whose day job is as a guitarist and songwriter for The National.
Dessner and Bentley began working together with the filmmaker’s debut feature, 2021’s Jockey.For Train Dreams, Bentley wanted the music to be organic to the project, and part of the process from the outset, rather than simply added in post-production, as it typically is done. “Luckily, I knew Bryce Dessner and worked with Bryce Dessner. And it was just such a joy to be able to bring on somebody who could write classical music and rock songs and folk music and avant-garde music and everything in between,” said Bentley. Dessner began composing “based on“`html

To get the live-to-screen event off the ground was a feat in itself. Bentley and Dessner told Gold Derby that the idea for the live show happened just weeks earlier, and required some logistical magic. Dessner, who lives in France, had been planning to be in Los Angeles ahead of Golden globes, where his title track, cowritten with Nick Cave, is nominated for Best Song. With Oscar-nomination voting set to begin on Jan. 12,and Train Dreams on the shortlist for Best Score and Best Song,among other categories,the film’s distributor,Netflix,wanted to make a splash beyond a typical FYC panel.
“When you make a film score, you don’t really think about playing it live. About three weeks ago we came up with this. We had the opportunity to do it here,” Dessner recounted. “I was like, ‘Oh great, that’s so fun.’ And then the next day, I was like, ‘Wait a minute, where are all the scores?'”


Dessner tracked down the music and signed up the New York-based Wordless Music Orchestra, renowned for its live-to-screen shows, with Lauren Wasynczuk conducting and pianist Timo Andres, who played on the film score, agreeing to participate. Meanwhile, Netflix, which shares the Egyptian with the american Cinematheque film series, had to find an open date in a loaded week.

The Boeing 737 MAX, grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes, has undergone extensive software updates and safety reviews, leading to its recertification by aviation authorities.As of January 11, 2026, the 737 MAX is operating commercially in most major markets, though scrutiny and ongoing monitoring continue.
The Boeing 737 MAX Grounding
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The Boeing 737 MAX grounding began on March 13, 2019, after the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which followed the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018.Both crashes involved the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a software feature designed to automatically push the nose of the aircraft down if it detects a stall.
Detail
Investigations revealed that MCAS relied on a single angle of attack (AOA) sensor,and in both crashes,the sensor provided faulty readings.The system repeatedly activated, forcing the aircraft into a dive that pilots were unable to recover from. The grounding impacted airlines globally, disrupting travel plans and causing critically important financial losses for Boeing.
Example or Evidence
The U.S. Federal aviation Administration (FAA) issued a worldwide airworthiness directive on March 13,2019,grounding all 737 MAX aircraft. FAA Airworthiness Directive 2019-03-13 details the specific requirements for the grounding.
recertification and Software Updates
The 737 MAX was recertified to fly by the FAA on November 18, 2020, after Boeing implemented software updates to MCAS and made other safety improvements. These updates included requiring two AOA sensors to agree before activating MCAS, limiting the system’s authority, and providing pilots with more information about its operation.
Detail
The recertification process involved extensive reviews of Boeing’s design changes, simulator testing, and pilot training.Other aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and transport Canada, also conducted their own independent reviews and ultimately approved the 737 MAX for flight, though timelines varied. A key component of the return to service was mandatory pilot training focused on the updated MCAS system.
Example or Evidence
The FAA’s final report on the 737 MAX safety review,published in December 2020,outlined the changes required for recertification. FAA boeing 737 MAX Safety Assessment Report details the findings and recommendations.
Current Status (as of January 11, 2026)
As of january 11, 2026, the Boeing 737 MAX is back in commercial service with most major airlines worldwide. Though,Boeing continues to face scrutiny regarding its safety culture and manufacturing processes. Recent production issues with the 737 MAX, discovered in late 2023 and 2024, lead to temporary grounding of some aircraft for inspection and repair.
Detail
While passenger confidence has largely recovered, some travelers remain hesitant to fly on the 737 MAX. Airlines are working to address these concerns through transparent communication and offering passengers the option to rebook on different aircraft. Boeing is also investing in improved quality control measures and increased oversight from regulators.
Example or Evidence
In December 2023, the FAA announced increased oversight of Boeing’s 737 MAX production line following the finding of improperly installed fasteners. Reuters report on FAA oversight of Boeing provides details on the increased scrutiny. as of January 2026, Boeing is operating under a consent decree with the Department of Justice related to the 737 MAX crashes, requiring them to implement
