ASCAP Screen Music Awards honor top composers, including David Vanacore’s Golden Note win and celebrated scores from Wicked, Stranger Things, and more.
- April 30, 2026
AceShowbiz - The annual ASCAP Screen Music Awards ceremony took place on Tuesday night, recognizing outstanding achievements in screen composition. The event highlighted the winners of the Composers Choice Awards, which are determined by votes from ASCAP members. Among the honored projects were scores for Wicked: For Good, Palm Royale, Stranger Things, Pluribus, and the latest Star Wars video game.
David Vanacore emerged as the most celebrated composer of the evening, receiving the prestigious Golden Note Award for his career accomplishments. Additionally, Vanacore secured his 11th consecutive award as the top winner in the category recognizing the most performed themes and underscore. This achievement also marked his 22nd consecutive year being honored in this category overall, underscoring his enduring influence in screen music.
Photographed alongside Vanacore were Paul Williams and Elizabeth Matthews, reflecting the significance of the event and the community of composers ASCAP represents. The awards spotlighted the creative talents behind some of the most popular and impactful screen music compositions today, as chosen by their peers in the industry.
The ASCAP Screen Music Awards continue to celebrate excellence in music for screen media, honoring composers who contribute significantly to the emotional and narrative power of visual storytelling. This year’s winners represent a mix of established artists and innovative projects across different media formats, from television and theater to video games.
With the ongoing recognition of talents like David Vanacore, the awards reinforce ASCAP’s commitment to supporting composers whose work shapes the entertainment landscape. The 2026 ceremony reaffirmed the importance of music in screen arts and the outstanding achievements of those who compose it.