Vangelis, born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou, is a Greek composer who gained international recognition primarily for his work in electronic and orchestral music. Known for combining synthesizers with traditional orchestral sounds, his distinctive style is widely recognized in soundtracks for films such as "Chariots of Fire" and "Blade Runner". Vangelis' work has significant influence in the field of electronic music, and his soundtrack for "Chariots of Fire" won him an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1981. His innovative use of synthesizers and his success in mainstream film music have solidified his status as a key figure in 20th-century popular music.