#USA #New York #Trent Reznor #Jeff Toyne #Nainita Desai

Celebrating Creative Excellence in Music

On May 1, 2025, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) took center stage in New York, honoring some of the most talented composers in the entertainment industry at the annual ASCAP Screen Music Awards. This esteemed event serves to recognize the remarkable contributions of composers whose music enhances films, television series, and video games, significantly impacting audience experiences worldwide.

Notable winners of the 2025 ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards were revealed, showcasing an impressive array of talent that shapes the contemporary entertainment landscape. The awards are particularly unique, as they are determined by the very community of composers and songwriters within ASCAP, offering a peer-voted recognition that is both prestigious and meaningful.

Key Award Recipients

The evening celebrated numerous winners, each of whom has made a significant impact with their outstanding musical scores:

• - Film Score of the Year: Trent Reznor for his evocative work in Challengers, a film that intricately weaves together dramatic narratives and a compelling score.
• - Television Score of the Year: Jeff Toyne received accolades for his brilliant score in Palm Royale, winning both Television Score of the Year and Television Theme of the Year.
• - Documentary Score of the Year: David Fleming was honored for his outstanding composition in Jim Henson Idea Man, which explores the visionary creativity of the legendary puppeteer.
• - Video Game Score of the Year: Nainita Desai's work on Tales of Kenzera: Zau captivated audiences and gamers alike, showcasing the immersive power of music in gaming.

Additional Recognitions

The awards did not stop there. Other highlights included Andrea Datzman being recognized as the Top Box Office Film of the Year for Inside Out 2, and Jeff Cardoni winning accolades for his work on the heartwarming series Young Sheldon. Historical dramas and engaging narratives were well represented, with John Sereda securing recognition for When Calls the Heart and David Vanacore leading in Most Performed Themes/Underscore.

ASCAP's recognition extended to the thriving streaming space, where top composers of popular series were celebrated. Highlights included Bear McCreary for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Michael Abels for The Acolyte, indicating the evolution and growing influence of music in streaming platforms.

ASCAP’s Role in Music

ASCAP plays a vital role in protecting the rights and interests of nearly one million music creators. Founded on a not-for-profit basis, ASCAP ensures that its members receive fair compensation for their work. The organization licenses a vast repertoire of over 20 million musical works and promotes advocacy for music creators on Capitol Hill, addressing crucial industry challenges.

By returning a significant portion of collected licensing fees as royalties to its members, ASCAP fosters a supportive community that empowers songwriters and composers to innovate and thrive in their careers.

Looking Ahead

The ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards in 2025 stand as a testament to the enduring impact of music in our daily lives. As the demand for quality scoring continues to grow in various entertainment mediums, these composers remind us of the importance of storytelling through music. Their achievements not only inspire aspiring musicians but also enrich the cultural fabric of our society.

Visit the ASCAP website at www.ascap.com/screenawards25 for the complete list of winners and to learn more about ASCAP's initiatives to support music creators.