Carlos Rafael Rivera is an Emmy and Grammy-winning composer whose scores have shaped some of the most celebrated stories in recent years, including Netflix's The Queen's Gambit. Known for scoring directly from screenplays, he has built lasting collaborations with filmmakers like Scott Frank, with whom he worked on multiple projects, including the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Department Q.
His music has earned numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmy wins for The Queen's Gambit and Apple TV's Lessons in Chemistry, as well as World Soundtrack, BMI, and SCL Awards. Recent projects include Netflix's Chupa, Ezra, and Griselda, highlighting his versatility across genres while reflecting his Latin American heritage and storytelling expertise.
Carlos is Chair of the Media Scoring and Production Department at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he mentors students in the creative and practical aspects of modern scoring.
Based in Miami, Carlos balances his career with family life and serves on the Society of Composers & Lyricists board, supporting innovation and diversity in the industry.
Hacks(2021)
They Will Kill You(2026)
Dept. Q(2025)
Monsieur Spade(2024)
Griselda(2024)
Godless(2017)
On the Brink(2006)
Brotherhood of Murder(1999)
Without a Map(1996)
Chupa(2023)
The Simpsons(1989)
Score: The Podcast(2018)as Self
The 2021 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards(2021)as Self - Winner: Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Paltrocast with Darren Paltrowitz(2020)as Self
The 2018 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards(2018)as Self - Winner: Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
