Composer Antonio Sanchez

Like a Phoenix, composer Antonio Sanchez arose from the ashes of thwarted Oscar dreams to emerge a double-winner at the World Soundtrack Awards for his highly original drum score for the film Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Sanchez won Best Original Film Score of the Year and Discovery of the Year 2015 at the 15th Annual World Soundtrack Awards, which took place at the conclusion of the 42nd Film Fest Gent, Oct. 24 at Kuipke in Ghent.

Sanchez’ score was barred from Academy Award competition due to the fact that pre-existing music cues — mainly classical — were used throughout the film. Despite an appeal by director Alejandro González Iñárritu making the case that the existing tunes were mainly source music — played within the context of the dramatic play that takes place within the film — the decision stood, and Sanchez thwarted from becoming what many hoped would be the first Mexican composer to win an Oscar.

This year’s Best Original Song written directly for a Film is “The Apology Song” from “The Book of Life,” with music by Gustavo Santaolalla, lyrics by Paul Williams and performed by Diego Luna. The Sabam Award for Best Young Composer goes to Peer Kleinschmidt and John Paesano’s music for “The Maze Runner” won the Public Choice Award.

Birdman soundtrack

After the annual presentation of the prestigious film music prizes, Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Radio Choir, conducted by Dirk Brossé, played a striking selection from the extensive oeuvre of the guest of honour, Alan Silvestri. He composed the score for “The Walk,” that had it’s worldpremiere at the concert. The film music by Discovery of 2015 Daniel Pemberton, with the premiere of the score for “Steve Jobs” was also given a well-deserved place in the concert, as was the music of Lifetime Achievement Award winner Patrick Doyle with the premiere of the music for “Cinderella.”

AWARDS

Best Composer of the year
Michael Giacchino

Best Original Film Score of the Year
‘Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ by Antonio Sanchez

Best Original Song Written for a Film
The Apology Song from ‘The Book of Life’
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla, lyrics by Paul Williams, performed by Diego Luna

Discovery of the Year
Antonio Sanchez for ‘Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’

Sabam Award for Best Young Composer
Peer Kleinschmidt

Public Choice Award
‘The Maze Runner’ by John Paesano

Lifetime Achievement Award
Patrick Doyle

The 16th World Soundtrack Awards will take place on the 22nd of October 2016.