Now matter how many times I watch the Oscars, someone will always ask, “So what is the difference between the two sound categories?”
The difference is quite significant. It is so important that the sound branch is only one of two “tech” branches in the Academy (the other being music) that gives out two separate awards. Best Sound Mixing awards the individuals who bring the entire soundscape – music, dialogue, effects – together into a balanced mix.
Best Sound Editing, on the other hand (perhaps better described by its previous name, Best Sound Effects Editing), rewards the artificial creation of sounds to be inserted into the film, but were not captured during the shoot.
The category, despite its very specific nature, is nevertheless like many other “tech” categories. Both “loud” films (often war films) and blockbusters are among this category’s favorite fetishes. And like virtually all categories, being a Best Picture contender can be a big help.