TLDR: The 25th World Soundtrack Awards are set to highlight the enduring value of orchestral music in film, taking place from October 14-16, 2025, in Ghent, Belgium. This year’s edition also acknowledges the increasing caution among film composers regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on their industry.
The prestigious World Soundtrack Awards (WSA) is preparing for its landmark 25th edition, scheduled to take place from October 14 to 16, 2025, in Ghent, Belgium, as part of Film Fest Gent. This year’s event is poised to celebrate the rich tradition of orchestral music in film scoring, a theme that resonates strongly within the industry, especially as film composers express growing apprehension about the rise of artificial intelligence.
Indian composer A. R. Rahman, renowned for his work on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (2008) and ‘127 Hours’ (2010), will be honored as the Guest of Honour. The Brussels Philharmonic, under the baton of maestro Dirk Brossé, is slated to perform a selection of Rahman’s compositions during the World Soundtrack Awards Ceremony & Concert on October 15 at Music Centre De Bijloke. British composer Debbie Wiseman will also be celebrated during the event. Additionally, legendary composers Michael Nyman and Philip Glass are set to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognizing their profound contributions to film music.
Beyond individual accolades, the WSA will present its 2025 Industry Award to the Composers Diversity Collective (CDC). This award acknowledges the CDC’s vital mission to foster a more inclusive and representative film music industry by dismantling barriers and broadening access for underrepresented voices, including composers, music supervisors, sound engineers, and musicians. Michael Abels, Sandro Morales-Santoro, and Amritha Vaz are expected to accept the award on October 14, 2025, during the WSA Nominees Celebration Reception.
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Nominations for the 2025 World Soundtrack Awards were announced on August 5, 2025, covering categories such as Film Composer of the Year, Television Composer of the Year, and Best Original Song. The winners across all categories will be revealed during the ceremony on October 15. The International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA) has once again collaborated with the WSA to create the shortlist for the Public Choice Award, allowing the public to vote for their favorite scores.
