The 2026 Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Awards recently took place at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, recognizing exceptional contributions to film and television music. This year’s event showcased a remarkable array of talent, with KPop Demon Hunters and the film Sinners emerging as the standout winners. The ceremony highlighted the vital role of music in storytelling, celebrating the work of talented composers and songwriters.
Among the highlights was the acknowledgment of the songwriters behind the international hit “Golden.” Celebrated for its infectious melody, the song won the award for Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical. The duo, EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, have had an impressive season, following their previous accolades at the Grammys and Golden Globes, and are now eyeing a potential Oscar nomination.
Major wins for Sinners and its creators
This year, Ludwig Göransson, a two-time Oscar winner, received the award for Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film for his work on Sinners. This honor complements his earlier Grammy and Golden Globe wins for the same score, solidifying his status as a leading figure in film music composition. Additionally, Göransson shared the award for Outstanding Original Song for a Drama or Documentary with Raphael Saadiq for the emotionally resonant track “I Lied to You,” further demonstrating his versatility and talent.
Acknowledging emerging talents
In a significant moment of the evening, the David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent was presented to Ching-Shan Chang for her impressive score for Laws of Man. This recognition underscores the SCL’s commitment to fostering new voices in the industry, ensuring a vibrant and diverse future for film music. The ceremony also featured a performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Rocky franchise, with Bill Conti, the composer of its legendary theme, leading a tribute.
Television achievements recognized
As the night unfolded, the television categories displayed intense competition. The acclaimed series Severance received the award for Outstanding Original Score for a Television Production, with Theodore Shapiro’s haunting score being pivotal to the series’ success. Moreover, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer was recognized for his work on The White Lotus, winning the award for Outstanding Original Title Sequence for a Television Production.
The SCL Awards not only honor established artists but also provide a platform for innovative new talents to emerge. This year’s winners reflect the evolving landscape of music in film and television, where genres blend and creativity knows no bounds.
Looking ahead to the Oscars
With the Academy Awards on the horizon, speculation is mounting regarding the potential for these talented composers and songwriters to secure nominations. The momentum gained from the SCL Awards could be crucial for their Oscar prospects, particularly for Göransson and the creators of “Golden.” As the industry prepares for the Oscars, the excitement surrounding these artistic endeavors continues to escalate.
The 2026 SCL Awards have not only celebrated current achievements in film and television music but also paved the way for future talents to shine. As audiences eagerly anticipate the next wave of musical storytelling, this year’s winners remind us of the profound impact of music in enhancing our cinematic experiences.