(from l. to r.) BMI CEO Mike O’Neil, Atticus Ross and BMI Vice President, Creative, Film, TV and Visual Media, Tracey McNight.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (LA ELEMENTS) 5/22/2025 -The stars behind your favorite screen moments gathered at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel for one of the most anticipated evenings in Hollywood music—the 2025 BMI Film, TV and Visual Media Awards. With a legacy rooted in honoring the composers whose work elevates stories on screen, this year’s event delivered a moving celebration of both excellence and artistic evolution.
The spotlight shone brightest on Oscar-winning composer Atticus Ross, who was named a BMI Icon for his extraordinary contributions to music in film and television. BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill presented the award, calling Ross’ work a “reengineering” of the storytelling experience through sound. “We are very proud to honor your incomparable contributions to the world of music as a composer, a rock pioneer and an icon,” he added.
Taking the stage to accept, Ross was reflective and heartfelt. “The thing I love about film music is that there aren’t any rules, there aren’t any pros. Essentially, to my mind, it’s all about how we make people feel, and that’s what music is about,” he shared. “I wake up every day grateful for the opportunity to make music—this is my dream, and I don’t take it lightly.”
With a résumé that includes The Social Network, Soul, Watchmen, and Challengers, Ross’ artistry spans not only genres but emotional landscapes. His collaborations with Trent Reznor and family—Leopold Ross and Claudia Sarne—have defined a generation of atmospheric storytelling.
In addition to Ross’ crowning moment, the night celebrated a wide range of composers working across mediums. From streaming series and blockbuster films to narrative-driven video games, the talent on display reminded everyone that behind every gripping moment onscreen is a carefully composed score. We caught up with the honorees on the red carpet where they shared with us their dream collaborators, the challenge of scoring a film with limited dialogue and more.
Sherri Chung, recognized for her work with Tyler Perry, highlighted the collaborative magic of scoring Divorce in the Black. “Working with Tyler Perry…was truly fulfilling to add to the narrative with my music,” she said.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MAY 14: Sherri Chung attends the 2025 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on May 14, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for BMI)
Connor McHugh, whose music fuels the action on CBS’s FBI, expressed deep gratitude for his work and a rare moment of relaxation. “I compose music for FBI on CBS, and after seven action-packed seasons, it’s still a dream job… I’m just excited for a night out with my wife and to celebrate with people who inspire me.”
Over on Amazon Prime, The Boys is gearing up for a powerful finale. “Season 5 of The Boys is going to be bloody, bold, and unforgettable—fans are in for something truly epic,” teased composer Chris Lennertz.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MAY 14: Christopher Lennertz attends the 2025 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on May 14, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for BMI)
Meanwhile, Alexis Grapsas emphasized the emotional depth required in scoring A Quiet Place: Day One. “It’s a movie that’s a lot about sound, because the main characters are not really allowed to speak… so music becomes the voice—it has to say what the dialogue cannot,” he explained.
Jason Hill, known for his work on scores with unique sonic identities, credited his success to innovation. “I think we won because we created a truly original score for the show—working with my friend Jake Pinto, we really pushed ourselves creatively, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
Kathryn Bostic, honored for her work on The Perfect Find, relished the opportunity to explore her full range. “It was a great opportunity…I was able to write a range of music, not just one specific genre.”
Jim Fairchild, who worked on a documentary revisiting the story of Nicole Brown Simpson, brought an emotional tone to the evening. “I wanted to help restore Nicole Simpson’s humanity and motherhood in a story that’s long been sensationalized—it felt like an inflection point in our culture where media, celebrity, and tragedy collided.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MAY 14: Alex Sirvent (R) and guest attend the 2025 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on May 14, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for BMI)
Composer Alex Sirvent used the opportunity to motivate fellow creatives. “This is my fifth BMI Award, and my message to all creatives is simple: never quit—especially when things seem toughest.”
And for Fil Eisler, the celebration capped off a meaningful year of collaboration and new work. “I’m honored to be recognized for Outer Banks and another series—both incredible collaborations with longtime teams—and especially excited about Momo, a new film based on the book by Michael Ende. For anyone who wants to do this work, only do it if you need to—it’s a calling, not a choice.”
Among the night’s notable milestones were 29 first-time winners, including rising stars like Goh Nakamura, Kara Talve, Dara Taylor, and Zack Ryan. Multi-award winners such as Blake Neely, Mike Post, Julia Newman, Carlos Rafael Rivera, and of course, Atticus Ross, were also applauded for their continued impact on the industry.
As music and storytelling evolve side by side, the BMI Film, TV and Visual Media Awards continue to spotlight the brilliance behind the scenes.
For the full list of winners, visit bmi.com. Follow the conversation on social media with #BMIFilmTVAwards.
Impressive article, engaging and well-crafted. It captures the energy of what sounds like an amazing event!