Initially there was confusion over the score's eligibility due to a new rule applying to sequels, but the Academy did declare it eligible. While the scores for its predecessor and sequel won the Academy Award for Best Score, the soundtrack for The Two Towers was not nominated.
His white garb glistens in the sun.The musical score for The Two Towers was composed, orchestrated, and conducted by Howard Shore, who also composed the music for the other two films in the series. Theoden officially gives the horse to him and Gandalf throws off his gray cloak. Gandalf whistles and Shadowfax comes to him. Gimli accepts this as long as he gets to ride next to Legolas. Gimli admits that he is no horseman, but Eomer asks for the honor of having him on his horse. When Aragorn leaves, she gazes at him for a little extra time. She accepts this but wishes not to be left. The king names Eomer as his heir, and Hama suggests that Eowyn be left in charge of the city. He armors Legolas, and Aragorn and Gimli take a helmet. As thanks for his liberation, Theoden offers Gandalf any gift he can give and Gandalf asks for Shadowfax. Eomer was put into prison because Grima forbade him to hunt orcs. Gandalf assures him that Grima has been worked for him for some time. Theoden asks Gandalf questions about Saruman and how long Grima had served him. Theoden tells his men to let the interloper depart and then urges his guests to eat with him. Gandalf yells for Grima to slither away on his belly and asks how long he has been bought by Saruman. Theoden tells him that he can flee and become his enemy, or ride with him in battle for redemption. Grima says that he does not want to go to war. The King refuses to wait in his stronghold and plans to lead his own men to war. Theoden tells his guests to rest, but Aragorn begs his leave to ride as soon as possible. Gandalf says that every man they have must be prepared to travel to Gondor. The king calls for Grima to stand before him. Hama has let Eomer out of his cell and he kneels at his uncle's feet. A voice offers him a weapon "'Take this, dear lord.It was ever at your service!'" Book 3, Chapter 6, pg.155. Gandalf tells him that if he grasps a sword again he will feel stronger. Theoden regrets that such evil days have come during his reign. He speaks of Mordor and the Ring-bearer as well as the rising powers of Sauron and Saruman. Gandalf bids him to realize that the world is not so dark and doomed. Theoden stands and throws open his doors. Gandalf tells Theoden that he has been listening to evil for far too long. Grima yells at Hama for letting a wizard enter with his staff, but then falls to the floor. Gandalf throws back his cloak and raises his staff. Wormtongue accuses them of being in league with the foul Galadriel and Gimli becomes enraged. Gandalf gets angry and says that Rohan used to treat guests better. A pale man named Grima or Wormtongue, sits next to him and speaks of all the evil things Gandalf has spoken of before. He asks why he should welcome someone who always bears bad news. Gandalf hails Theoden, but the King is angry with him. At the far end, there is an old man with a long white beard. They enter a columned hall filled with gold work and woven tapestries. Hama asks Gandalf to give up his staff, but Gandalf says an old man needs it to lean upon. Aragorn fights this, but eventually they agree to put them down. The guard Hama stops them at the top and tells them that they must surrender their weapons before entering. They let the companions in and they climb the long stairs to Theoded's chambers. Gandalf announces his name and demands an audience with Theoded. Aragorn speaks of his meeting with Eomer but the guards tell him that Eomer has been imprisoned. They are even more surprised that Gandalf is riding the king's horse. The dress of the small group amazes them. The guards allow no one to pass who cannot speak the native language. They approach the wall built around the city, where guards are waiting. This golden house is the home of Theoded. He sees a house "'And it seems to my eyes that it is thatched with gold.'" Book 3, Chapter 6, pg. As the sun rises, Gandalf points across the grassy plains and asks Legolas to describe what he sees. They ride into the sunset and stop only for a brief rest.