Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the dynamic songwriting duo, have officially joined the ranks of the prestigious EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) club, a rare achievement reserved for only the most versatile and talented artists across multiple entertainment mediums. Pasek and Paul have now secured their place in history as the 20th and 21st members of this exclusive group, following their Emmy win for the song “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” from the hit series Only Murders in the Building.
From Broadway to Hollywood: Pasek and Paul’s Impressive Journey to EGOT Status
Pasek and Paul’s ascent to EGOT status was far from an overnight success. Their career trajectory spans years of hard work, innovation, and creative brilliance across various platforms. They began their journey on Broadway, where they made a name for themselves with musicals that deeply resonated with audiences. The duo gained significant attention for their work on Dear Evan Hansen, a Broadway musical that struck a chord with viewers worldwide, earning them both a Tony Award and a Grammy Award.
Their Grammy Award for Dear Evan Hansen recognized the album as Best Musical Theater Album, a milestone that propelled Pasek and Paul into the limelight as two of the most promising songwriters of their generation. Shortly after, they ventured into the world of film, composing the critically acclaimed music for La La Land. Their work on the film earned them the Oscar for Best Original Song for “City of Stars,” another significant achievement in their already illustrious career.
The duo’s music has consistently transcended genres, connecting deeply with listeners by blending catchy melodies with emotionally resonant lyrics. Whether working on Broadway or in Hollywood, Pasek and Paul have been able to masterfully adapt their talents to each project, culminating in their inclusion in the highly sought-after EGOT club.
Emmy Win for Only Murders in the Building Completes the Quartet
Pasek and Paul secured the final piece of their EGOT puzzle with their recent Emmy win for Best Original Song, thanks to their contribution to Only Murders in the Building. The song “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” is not only a whimsical, playful track but also a key element in the storyline of the series. Co-written with renowned composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the song plays a crucial role in the show, which revolves around a murder mystery set in a New York City apartment building.
Their Emmy win marks a significant milestone for the duo, and as Justin Paul reflected on the award, he spoke of the deep personal connection he has with the project. “It’s obviously thrilling and very wild to think about getting to do it alongside two of our heroes who gave us our very first job in television – makes it most meaningful,” Paul said during a backstage interview. The collaboration with Shaiman and Wittman was particularly special for Pasek and Paul, as it brought their careers full circle, having worked with them earlier in their careers.
Paul also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on a project like Only Murders in the Building, which he described as one of the most enjoyable experiences of their career. “One of the most joyful that we’ve ever had in our careers on a TV show that is one of our favorites in the history of television shows,” he said. The Emmy win not only cemented their EGOT status but also celebrated the strong relationships they had built within the entertainment industry.
How the Song “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” Came to Life
The song “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” is an integral part of the show’s murder mystery plot. According to Only Murders in the Building co-creator John Hoffman, the idea for the song came to him rather spontaneously. In an interview with Variety, Hoffman revealed that the inspiration struck him while he was in the shower. “I literally just thought, ‘Oh, which of the Pickwick triplets did it?’” Hoffman recalled. The absurdity of a constable character trying to solve a mystery involving baby triplets accused of killing their mother served as the perfect backdrop for the comedic tone of the series.
Pasek and Paul embraced this absurdity, recognizing that the song needed to be as difficult as possible to perform. In fact, the difficulty was essential to the plot. As Benj Pasek explained, their assignment was to write something that would challenge the performer. “The assignment was nothing less than to write something that is as difficult to sing as possible,” Pasek said. The song’s complexity became an important plot point in the show, as one of the characters repeatedly struggles to perform it in a single take, creating tension and humor.
“The challenge works to our advantage in terms of the plot because the real question is, can this character pull it off?” Pasek explained. “For several episodes, he can’t. It gives us something to really root for over the course of the season.” The song’s inclusion became a pivotal element of the show, drawing viewers into the ongoing mystery while adding a layer of humor and lightheartedness to the storyline.
Pasek and Paul: The Newest Members of the Elite EGOT Club
With their Emmy win, Pasek and Paul have become the 20th and 21st members of the elusive EGOT club, a monumental achievement in the entertainment world. Joining the ranks of legendary figures like Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, Jennifer Hudson, and John Legend, Pasek and Paul’s accomplishment is a testament to their incredible versatility and skill as songwriters.
The EGOT is considered the grand slam of entertainment awards, and achieving it requires mastery across four distinct artistic forms: television, music, film, and theater. Pasek and Paul’s entry into the club solidifies their status as some of the most talented creators in the industry today, with their work resonating across generations and mediums.
Collaborations That Shaped Their Success
One of the key factors behind Pasek and Paul’s success has been their ability to collaborate with some of the industry’s most respected figures. Their partnerships with directors, performers, and fellow composers have often led to groundbreaking projects, like La La Land and The Greatest Showman, that pushed the boundaries of what music in film could achieve. The duo’s willingness to embrace challenges and experiment with different styles of storytelling has earned them immense respect among their peers.
In particular, their collaborations with Shaiman and Wittman on Only Murders in the Building showcased their ability to adapt their skills to fit different narratives and mediums. This versatility has not only helped them stand out but has also opened doors to new and exciting opportunities, making their induction into the EGOT club a well-deserved recognition of their talents.
The Significance of Joining the EGOT Club
Achieving EGOT status is one of the highest honors in the entertainment industry, and Pasek and Paul’s addition to the club is a testament to their remarkable contributions across multiple fields. The accomplishment places them in the company of some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, from composers like Richard Rodgers to performers like Audrey Hepburn.
The EGOT club remains an exclusive and celebrated group, with only 21 members to date. This level of achievement reflects not only the immense talent required to succeed in multiple fields but also the hard work, dedication, and innovation that these artists bring to their craft.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Pasek and Paul?
With their EGOT status now secured, Pasek and Paul are undoubtedly looking ahead to new projects and challenges. Their recent success with Only Murders in the Building has reaffirmed their passion for television, but their careers have spanned Broadway, film, and music, leaving the door open for countless future opportunities.
As they continue to explore new creative endeavors, fans and industry professionals alike will be eagerly awaiting what the duo has in store. Whether they return to the stage, produce new music for film, or venture into new areas of entertainment, Pasek and Paul’s future promises to be as exciting and groundbreaking as their journey to EGOT status.
Their entry into the EGOT club is not just a personal achievement but also a celebration of the power of collaboration, creativity, and perseverance in the world of entertainment.
