Film Fest Gent has announced that acclaimed British composer Debbie Wiseman will be the guest of honour at the 25th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards. Wiseman, renowned for her contributions to film and television music, will be celebrated at the prestigious event on 15 October 2025 at Muziekcentrum de Bijloke in Ghent.
The Brussels Philharmonic, under the baton of Dirk Brossé, will perform a selection of Wiseman’s compositions during the awards ceremony. Additionally, Film Fest Gent will release a special album, Debbie Wiseman: Music for Film and Television, featuring newly recorded versions of her most iconic scores.
A Prolific Career in Film and Television
With a career spanning decades, Wiseman has composed for renowned British films such as Tom & Viv, To Olivia, and Wilde, along with hit television series like Wolf Hall, Father Brown, and Judge John Deed. Her collaborations with directors such as Peter Kosminsky, John Hay, Brian Gilbert, and the late Lewis Gilbert have earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including nods from the Grammy Awards and Ivor Novello Awards. Since 2015, she has also served as Composer in Residence at Classic FM.
Expressing her excitement about the honour, Wiseman stated: “It’s a true privilege to be sharing music with fellow composers, songwriters, industry professionals, and film music fans. I’m thrilled to have my work performed by the esteemed Brussels Philharmonic under the expert guidance of Maestro Dirk Brossé.”
From Early Beginnings to Royal Recognition
Wiseman’s musical journey began in north-west London, where she started composing at the age of eight. She pursued formal education at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she refined her composition skills under the guidance of James Gibb and Buxton Orr.
Her breakthrough came with the score for Tom & Viv in 1994, followed by Wilde in 1997, which earned her an Ivor Novello Award nomination. She has since worked on numerous high-profile projects, including collaborations with Sir Stephen Fry on Fry’s Planet Word and Stephen Fry in America. Fry has praised her work, calling their partnership “nothing short of rapture.”
Wiseman’s accolades include a TRIC Award for The Good Guys, an RTS Award for Warriors, and the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters. In 2018, she was awarded an OBE for her contributions to music.
A Composer for Historic Occasions
Beyond film and television, Wiseman has been commissioned for royal and national events. She composed The Music of Kings and Queens for Queen Elizabeth II’s 95th birthday and was the musical director for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Windsor in 2022. Most notably, she was commissioned by King Charles III to compose two Gospel Alleluias performed at his coronation.
With over 200 scores to her name, Wiseman remains an influential force in the industry. Speaking on her creative process, she shared: “One of the great gifts of being a film composer is finding inspiration in the story or character. A strong melodic theme helps shape the entire score.”
World Soundtrack Awards 2025: Key Details
The World Soundtrack Awards Ceremony & Concert will take place on 15 October 2025 as part of the WSA Film Music Days (14-16 October). Tickets are available at filmfestgent.be and worldsoundtrackawards.com.