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Awards

Billboard Canada Teams with SOCAN to Present Inaugural Screen Composer of the Year Award at Power Players 2025

The award will recognize the talented screen composers making an impact on the global stage, creating the music that makes our viewing experiences come to life.

Billboard Canada Teams with SOCAN to Present Inaugural Screen Composer of the Year Award at Power Players 2025

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Billboard Canada is partnering with SOCAN to once again shine a light on the often unsung and under-celebrated members of the music industry.

The Billboard Canada Screen Composer of the Year Award (Presented by SOCAN) will celebrate the talented Canadian composers responsible for some of the best film and television music in the world right now. They don’t always get the same accolades as the movie stars and directors they are awarded alongside, but their contributions are essential and deserving of this recognition.

"You may not always know their names, but we all know their music. For decades, Canadian screen composers have been making a global impact, scoring some of the most powerful moments in film and television," says Cameron Kennedy, VP Creative and Member Relations, SOCAN. "This award will recognize and shine a spotlight on the creators whose music shapes what we see and how we feel."

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The Screen Composer of the Year will be awarded at Billboard Canada Power Players 2025 on June 11, 2025 at NXNE Festival, where these talented composers will be recognized alongside the most powerful and influential members of the Canadian music industry.

Last year, Billboard Canada and SOCAN presented Canada’s first-ever Non-Performing Songwriter Award to Lowell at the same event. In her speech, she spoke about why it’s important that the industry recognizes the behind-the-scenes creators who contribute to the music business. This year’s award will continue that same mission in a different segment of the industry.

Music is an essential part of a viewing experience, and Canadian composers are behind some of the most prominent and critically acclaimed productions of the last few years. Their important work propels shows like The White Lotus, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, Agatha All Along, Palm Royale and many more.

The award is presented by SOCAN, Canada's largest member-owned music rights organization. For 100 years, they have been an invaluable partner in the careers of Canada’s songwriters, composers and music publishers, helping ensure their music is heard, respected, and valued.

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The Billboard Canada Screen Composer of the Year Award will be chosen by a committee from SOCAN and Billboard Canada as well as other industry professionals. Interested screen composers can also submit for consideration by Friday, May 23 using this form.

The top five finalists will be shared in early June, with the winner announced at the Billboard Canada Power Players on June 11, 2025.

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