7th Annual SCL Awards Celebrates Musical Excellence in Visual Media
The 7th Annual Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) Awards was held on February 6, 2026, in Los Angeles, shining a spotlight on outstanding achievements in music composition for film, television, and interactive media. This prestigious event, organized by the professional association Society of Composers & Lyricists, brought together top industry professionals to honor the artistic contributions that elevate storytelling across various visual formats.
Ludwig Göransson Emerges as Night's Big Winner
A standout performer at the ceremony was acclaimed composer Ludwig Göransson, who secured two major awards for his work on the supernatural thriller Sinners. Göransson captured the award for Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film, reinforcing his status as one of Hollywood's most influential and respected musical talents. His score has been widely praised throughout the awards season for its atmospheric depth and emotional resonance.
In addition, Göransson shared the honor for Outstanding Original Song for a Drama or Documentary with collaborator Raphael Saadiq for their powerful track "I Lied to You" from Sinners. This double victory underscores the critical and industry appreciation for Göransson's versatile and impactful contributions to contemporary film music.
Diverse Talent Recognized Across Film, TV, and Interactive Media
The awards highlighted a broad spectrum of musical excellence, from major studio productions to independent films. Bryce Dessner received the award for Outstanding Original Score for an Independent Film for his evocative work on Train Dreams. Dessner's composition played a crucial role in shaping the narrative tone of the drama, demonstrating that smaller-scale productions can achieve significant artistic recognition.
In the television categories, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer was honored with Outstanding Original Title Sequence for a Television Production for his distinctive work on The White Lotus, a series renowned for its immersive soundscapes. Meanwhile, Theodore Shapiro earned Outstanding Original Score for a Television Production for the critically acclaimed drama Severance, noted for its complex and atmospheric musical accompaniment.
The interactive media sector was also celebrated, with Austin Wintory winning Outstanding Original Score for Interactive Media for Sword of the Sea. This category acknowledges the growing importance of music in enhancing immersive digital experiences, reflecting the evolving role of composition in modern gaming and interactive storytelling.
Emerging Talent and Notable Song Achievements
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent to Ching-Shan Chang for her work on Laws of Man. This award recognizes promising new composers who show exceptional potential, signaling a bright future for innovation in the industry.
In the song categories, EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick triumphed with Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical for "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters. This track has already garnered attention at other major awards, including the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, and its SCL win further cements its crossover appeal and artistic merit.
Complete List of 2026 SCL Awards Winners
- Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film: Ludwig Göransson – Sinners
- Outstanding Original Score for an Independent Film: Bryce Dessner – Train Dreams
- Outstanding Original Song for a Drama or Documentary: Raphael Saadiq, Ludwig Göransson – "I Lied to You" from Sinners
- Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick – "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters
- Outstanding Original Title Sequence for a Television Production: Cristóbal Tapia de Veer – The White Lotus
- Outstanding Original Score for a Television Production: Theodore Shapiro – Severance
- Outstanding Original Score for Interactive Media: Austin Wintory – Sword of the Sea
- David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent: Ching-Shan Chang – Laws of Man
The SCL Awards consistently underscore the vital role of composers and songwriters in enhancing emotional impact and narrative depth in visual media. This year's winners represent a dynamic mix of established icons and rising stars, collectively shaping the future of music in film, television, and beyond.
