Introducing The Billboard Canada Female Composer of the Year Award

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Canada has a new stage. Billboard Canada and SOCAN are joining forces to spotlight the women redefining how stories are told with music across film, television and digital media.

This fall, at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2026, the two organizations will present the inaugural Billboard Canada Female Composer of the Year Award Presented by SOCAN, honouring the Canadian women whose work is elevating film, television and digital media through exceptional screen composition.

Nominations are open now here.

For the past two years, Billboard Canada and SOCAN have presented special honours to recognize the often under-celebrated music creators who drive the industry forward. This will be the first time the collaboration will take place at Billboard Canada Women in Music, extending the honour to this global celebration of the trailblazing women of the Canadian music industry.

Last year, Billboard Canada and SOCAN introduced the Screen Composer of the Year Award at Billboard Canada Power Players, recognizing the composers behind some of the most critically acclaimed scores in film and television. This new honour builds on that momentum shining a light on the women whose compositions have shaped some of the past year’s most compelling screen moments.

The Billboard Canada Female Composer of the Year Award Presented by SOCAN will celebrate talented Canadian women composers and recognize their impact alongside the artists, executives and leaders making an impact across the industry.

The award is presented by SOCAN, Canada's largest member-owned music rights organization. For more than 100 years, it has been an invaluable partner in the careers of Canada's songwriters, screen composers and music publishers, helping ensure their music is protected, respected and valued.

“The women scoring film and television in Canada are among the most talented composers working today,” says Jennifer Brown, SOCAN CEO. “They bring depth, emotion and imagination to every project, and their work stays with you long after the credits roll. They’re pushing the craft forward in such exciting ways.”

The Billboard Canada Female Composer of the Year Award is open to women, women-identifying, and non-binary individuals and will be chosen by a committee from SOCAN and Billboard Canada. The nominees and winner will be judged based on identifiable metrics, impact and artistic merit.

Nominations are now open. They are open until August 31 using this form. Peer nominations and self-submissions will both be considered.

The winner will be announced at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2026.