WSA introduces Award for Belgian Film Composer of the Year

WS Award stock photo
News 14 Apr 2025
On the cups of the World Soundtrack Awards' 25th anniversary, we are launching a brand-new accolade: the WSAward for Belgian Film Composer of the Year, powered by Sabam.

This prestigious new award celebrates the exceptional talent of Belgian composers and will recognise a body of work written by a Belgian film composer in the past year. For the WSAwards, it’s an exciting step forward in showcasing homegrown talent. By this recognition, Film Fest Gent aims to heighten the visibility of Belgian composers on both national and international stages, elevating these artists and providing them with increased opportunities for exposure and professional growth.

With this brand-new award, we aim to bridge the vibrant Belgian film music community with the international industry. Thanks to the World Soundtrack Awards, Film Fest Gent can leverage its renowned global platform and network to support and spotlight Belgian film music talent. With the new award, we intend to uplift and celebrate the exceptional composers within our community.
Marijke Vandebuerie managing director

The first ever Belgian Film Composer of the Year will be announced at the 25th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards on 15 October 2025. The winner receives a prize of €2,500, sponsored by Sabam, the Belgian association of and for authors, composers and publishers.

Submissions for the new WSA category will open on 15 April 2025, alongside the other categories, including Film Composer of the Year, Television Composer of the Year, Best Original Song, WSA Game Music Award, and Discovery of the Year.

Eligibility and voting process

Belgian composers who have written one or more original scores for a motion picture (fiction or documentary) released (or world-premiered) between 16 June 2024 and 15 June 2025 are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. All credited composers must have the Belgian nationality. Submissions will close on 15 June.

The voting process starts on 1 July and is organised in one round (1 July - 21 August). The nominees and winners are elected by all Belgian members of the WSAcademy. They will rank the three candidates of their choice on the basis of the film and score material submitted by the composers.

Composers can submit their scores via a MyFFG profile (more info via the button below).