Gent, Belgium – 15 April 2025 – As the World Soundtrack Awards prepare to celebrate their 25th anniversary, Film Fest Gent, in collaboration with Sabam, has unveiled an exciting new accolade: the WSAward for Belgian Film Composer of the Year. This prestigious prize aims to honour outstanding Belgian composers for their exceptional work over the past year.
Powered by Sabam—the Belgian association for authors, composers, and publishers—the award is designed to highlight and elevate the national talent within the global film music scene. It will be presented for the first time during the milestone 25th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards on 15 October 2025.
“With this brand-new award, we aim to bridge the vibrant Belgian film music community with the international industry,” said Marijke Vandebuerie, managing director of Film Fest Gent. “It’s about celebrating our homegrown talent and giving them the global exposure they deserve.”
The winner will receive a cash prize of €2,500, and the award will join a prestigious roster of WSA categories, including Film Composer of the Year, Television Composer of the Year, Best Original Song, Discovery of the Year, and the WSA Game Music Award.
Submissions Open Today
Entries for the new category open today, 15 April 2025, and will remain open until 15 June. Eligible applicants must be Belgian nationals and must have composed original scores for films (fiction or documentary) released or world-premiered between 16 June 2024 and 15 June 2025.
Composers can submit their work through the official World Soundtrack Awards website, where full submission guidelines and eligibility criteria are also available in the 2025 WSA Rule Book.
Voting Process
Voting for the award will run from 1 July to 21 August and will be conducted exclusively by Belgian members of the World Soundtrack Academy (WSAcademy). Voters will rank their top three choices based on submitted film and score materials.
The WSAcademy, known as the world’s largest network of film music professionals, plays a central role in shaping the future of film scoring and fostering connections within the industry. WSA members will also enjoy exclusive access to the WSA Film Music Days from 14–16 October 2025, a highlight of Film Fest Gent featuring talks, panels, and networking events.
For more information and to submit entries, visit: www.worldsoundtrackawards.com.