The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) has recently unveiled the nominees for its 2025 SCL Awards, an event that pays homage to the artistry and innovation found in the music crafted for visual media. This year, the awards are set to take place on February 12 in Los Angeles, marking the sixth annual celebration of excellence in film and television scoring. This recognition of talent coincides with notable advances and shifts in how music interacts with the narrative flow of visual storytelling, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry.
Positioning themselves at the forefront of this year’s nominations, composers Clément Ducol, Camille, and Atticus Ross have each secured three nominations. Their diverse works underscore the broad spectrum of creativity that characterizes contemporary scoring. Ducol and Camille’s collaboration on “Emilia Pérez” for Netflix, alongside Ross’s contributions to “Challengers” and “Shōgun,” highlight the distinctive styles and approaches that each composer brings to the film scores. The impact and importance of these compositions cannot be understated, as they not only elevate the narrative but also resonate with audiences on multiple emotional levels.
An exciting addition to this year’s ceremony is the recognition of the storied partnership between composer Harry Gregson-Williams and renowned filmmaker Ridley Scott, who will receive the 2025 Spirit of Collaboration Award. This accolade celebrates their longstanding relationship, marked by a series of prolific projects including “The Martian” and “House of Gucci.” In a statement, Gregson-Williams praised Scott’s unique process, noting that the director’s discussions about themes like “light and darkness” inspire him musically. This dynamic illustrates how essential collaboration is to the creative process and how it can significantly shape the final product.
The SCL Awards have historically recognized significant contributions to music in visual media, with past winners, such as the 2024 Spirit of Collaboration Award recipient Martin Scorsese, highlighting the bonds formed through artistic collaboration. This year also brings the SCL Jury Award for Jeff Beal, honoring his score for “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” a silent film classic that continues to influence the genre. As the nominations roll out, anticipation builds, not only for this year’s winners but also for performances and speeches that will undoubtedly add to the evening’s excitement.
As the February date approaches, the music community looks forward to celebrating achievements in composition. Notable past winners, including the score from the Best Picture recipient “Oppenheimer,” continue to set high expectations for this year’s nominees. The SCL Awards promise to deliver an engaging night filled with respect for the artistic talents that contribute to the fabric of cinema. Overall, the 2025 SCL Awards is shaping up to be a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts in the world of music for visual media.