Brisbane has firmly established itself on Australia’s cultural map by hosting the prestigious 2025 Screen Music Awards for the first time at Fortitude Music Hall. The ceremony, presented jointly by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Guild of Screen Composers (AGSC), showcased sixteen awards celebrating excellence in Australian screen composition across film, television, gaming, and advertising.
Cornel Wilczek emerged as the night’s most decorated composer, claiming multiple accolades including Best Music for a Television Drama for “Fake” (Season 1, Episode 5) and Best Opening Title Television Theme for Netflix’s “The Survivors.” His exceptional work underscores the growing influence of Australian composers in the global entertainment landscape.
Brisbane’s own Joff Bush continued his remarkable international success, securing the Most Performed Screen Composer – Overseas award for his work on “Bluey” for the second consecutive year. The children’s show remains the most streamed program in the United States throughout 2024, cementing Australia’s footprint in children’s entertainment worldwide. Many composers at the event discussed how streaming platforms have transformed their ability to reach global audiences and generate sustainable royalty streams from their screen compositions.
In a moving highlight of the evening, Megan Washington captivated the audience with her performance of “Dream On” from the film “How To Make Gravy,” which earned her the Best Original Song Composed for the Screen award. The performance, featuring collaboration with an Indigenous-led choir and Electric Fields, demonstrated the emotional power of screen composition.
Local talent shone brightly at the Brisbane debut, with Cedar Jones taking home Best Music for a Video Game or Other Interactive Media for “Feed the Deep,” marking the third major award for Queensland-based composers. This regional success reflects the industry’s growing decentralization from traditional metropolitan hubs.
The awards recognized works released between July 2024 and mid-2025, with eligibility requiring original scores holding at least 50% composer interest by Australian APRA members. The event was expertly hosted by David Wenham AM and fellow actors Mark Coles Smith and Nathalie Morris, who guided attendees through the celebration of Australian screen music excellence.
Alex Olijnyk shared the Emerging Screen Composer of the Year discretionary award with Wilczek, highlighting the industry’s commitment to fostering new talent alongside celebrating established composers. Several award winners noted that pursuing sync deals has significantly increased their income potential beyond traditional performance-based revenue.
The ceremony’s successful Brisbane debut signals a promising future for Australia’s screen music industry beyond conventional creative centers. Jed Kurzel added to his impressive legacy by winning Feature Film Score of the Year for “Tornado,” marking his fourth major award in this prestigious category since his first win in 2011.
