An acclaimed composer with a distinctive voice in contemporary film scoring, Mychael Danna is known for his masterful fusion of non-Western musical traditions with orchestral and electronic textures. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he began his career as a composer-in-residence at the McLaughlin Planetarium, where he developed his unique sensibility for blending world music with cinematic storytelling.
Danna made his feature film debut with Family Viewing (1987), directed by Atom Egoyan, marking the beginning of a long and celebrated collaboration. His early work on films such as Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter, and Felicia’s Journey earned him widespread recognition for his atmospheric and emotionally resonant scores.

Over the years, Danna has worked with some of the most visionary directors in cinema, including Ang Lee, Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta, Bennett Miller, and Marc Forster. His groundbreaking score for Life of Pi (2012), directed by Ang Lee, won him the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award for Best Original Score, solidifying his place among the most respected composers in the industry.

His other notable works include Capote (2005), Moneyball (2011), Little Miss Sunshine (additional music), Water, Vanity Fair, and Monsoon Wedding. He is also known for his collaborative work with his brother Jeff Danna, with whom he co-composed scores for films like The Good Dinosaur, Onward, and The Breadwinner.

Known for his deep research and authentic instrumentation, Mychael Danna’s music has been featured in prestigious film festivals around the world, including Cannes, Toronto, Venice, Berlin, and Sundance. Based in Los Angeles, Danna continues to redefine the art of film composition, blending cultures, emotions, and soundscapes to create music that transcends borders.