Shapiro and Bertelmann dominate 2025 World Soundtrack Awards
The celebrated composers Theodore Shapiro and Volker Bertelmann were among the top honorees at the 2025 World Soundtrack Awards, recognizing excellence in film and television scoring. The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 15, took place during Film fest Gent, Belgium’s largest international film festival.
Shapiro Honored for “Severance” Scoring
A month after securing his second Primetime Emmy for his work on the Apple TV+ series Severance, Theodore Shapiro received further recognition at the World Soundtrack Awards for his scoring on the critically acclaimed show. Shapiro’s win in the Television Composer of the Year category underscores the series’ impact on the industry and the power of its musical landscape.
Bertelmann Claims Film Composer of the Year
While Shapiro excelled in television, Volker Bertelmann emerged victorious in the Film Composer of the Year category. Bertelmann’s winning scores included Conclave and The Amateur. He was nominated for a total of three films, including The Day of the Jackal, Dune: Prophecy, and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Blumberg Recognized as Discovery of the Year
despite losing out on the Film Composer of the Year award,daniel Blumberg,who won an Oscar in March for The Brutalist,was celebrated as Discovery of the year. This award highlights Blumberg’s rising prominence and innovative contributions to film scoring.
“El mal” wins Best Original Song
The award for Best Original Song went to “El Mal” from Jacques Audiard’s musical Emilia Pérez. The song, which also received an Oscar earlier this year, was penned by Clément Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard, and powerfully performed by Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón.
Lifetime Achievements Celebrated
The World Soundtrack Awards also honored the enduring legacies of two giants in the field. Philip Glass and Michael Nyman were each presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognizing their decades of groundbreaking work and influence on generations of composers.
Full List of 2025 world Soundtrack Awards Winners
Here’s a complete rundown of the winners across all categories:
Best Original Song
- WINNER: “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez – Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard; performed by Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón
- “Gorgeous That Way” from The Last Showgirl – Andrew Wyatt, Lykke li, Miley Cyrus; performed by Miley Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt, Matt Dunkley
- “I Lied to You” from Sinners – Ludwig Göransson, Raphael Saadiq; performed by Miles Caton
- “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late – Elton John, Brandi Carlile,
