The music industry gathered for a night of celebration as the Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) Awards honored the top composers, lyricists, and songwriters of the past year. Among the biggest winners were Diane Warren and Trent Reznor, two titans of the industry whose influence continues to shape film and television scores.
Held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the annual event brought together the brightest talents in music scoring. But beyond the glitz and glamour, the night also carried a somber tone, as the recent wildfires in Los Angeles loomed over the event.
A Night of Music and Reflection
The evening began with a moving performance of “Lean on Me”, a tribute to the music community’s resilience in the wake of the devastating wildfires. Emotions ran high when Starr Parodi, a respected composer who lost her home in the fires, was presented with a replacement plaque for a past award—marking a truly emotional moment in the ceremony.
Yet, the night was also about honoring the outstanding musical achievements of the year. This year’s SCL Awards recognized works spanning from major Hollywood blockbusters to independent films and television series, shining a light on the remarkable contributions from composers and lyricists around the world.
Big Winners: Diane Warren and Trent Reznor Shine
Legendary songwriter Diane Warren took home the award for Outstanding Original Song for a Dramatic or Documentary Visual Media Production for her powerful composition, “The Journey”, from The Six Triple Eight (Netflix). This marks yet another accolade for Warren, a celebrated songwriter with 14 Academy Award nominations to her name.
Meanwhile, Trent Reznor, along with longtime collaborator Atticus Ross and filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, won the top prize for Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical Visual Media Production with their song “Compress/Repress” from Challengers (Amazon MGM Studios). The track demonstrates Reznor’s signature electronic sound, a style that has defined his career since his days as the frontman of Nine Inch Nails.
Recognizing Excellence in Film Scores
The SCL Awards extended beyond individual songs, honoring some of the finest music compositions across film, television, and interactive media.
- Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film: Kris Bowers for The Wild Robot (DreamWorks Animation)
- Outstanding Original Score for an Independent Film: Daniel Blumberg for The Brutalist (A24)
- Spirit of Collaboration Award: Harry Gregson-Williams for his partnership with director Ridley Scott
Although Scott was unable to attend in person, he sent in a heartfelt video message acknowledging their successful collaborations, which include The Martian and Gladiator II.
Television and Gaming Music Get Their Due
The SCL Awards expanded its focus beyond traditional film scores, honoring television and interactive media composers.
- Outstanding Original Score for a Television Production: Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, and Nick Chuba for Shōgun (FX)
- Outstanding Original Score for Interactive Media: Winifred Phillips for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord
With the gaming industry continually expanding, recognition of video game compositions at major music awards showcases the increasing influence of interactive media in the entertainment world.
A Celebration of Emerging Talent
The SCL Awards also made room to celebrate the next generation of composers. The David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent was awarded to Andrea Datzman for her work on Inside Out 2 (Disney/Pixar). Known for her collaborations with Michael Giacchino, Datzman’s recognition at the SCL Awards signals a bright future ahead.
Other nominees in this category included rising composers from indie films and game productions, highlighting the depth of talent across various music industries.
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
Despite the recent hardships faced by the Los Angeles music community, the 2025 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards proved to be a night of both honor and resilience. Diane Warren, Trent Reznor, and a host of talented composers were celebrated for their outstanding contributions, reaffirming the importance of music in storytelling.
As the entertainment industry evolves, one thing remains clear—great music continues to be at the heart of unforgettable films and shows. And with emerging talent breaking through, the future of film and television scoring looks brighter than ever.
With another award season in the books, all eyes will now turn to the upcoming Oscars, where several of these nominees may find themselves competing for the ultimate prize. Will Diane Warren finally take home an Academy Award for her song? Will Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross add another Oscar to their collection?
Only time will tell… but one thing is certain: their contributions to music will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
Source: Hollywood Reporter