8th SCL Awards 2027: Film, Television and Game Music Entries Close 30 November 2026
The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) opened submissions on 22 October 2026 for the 8th SCL Awards. Entries close on 30 November 2026, and the awards ceremony is scheduled for 4 February 2027. The programme honours music written for film, television and interactive media, but eligibility is tied to qualifying releases and the organiser's membership rules.
Music categories, including interactive media
The awards provide competitive categories for original scores in studio and independent films, television scores, television title sequences, original songs for dramas or documentaries, songs for comedies or musicals, original scores for interactive media, and the David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent.
For game composers, the original score for interactive media category is the most directly relevant. An unpublished demo reel, music-video-only release, podcast, advertising jingle or standalone album is not automatically eligible; applicants must check the exact medium and release requirements.
Release and rights conditions
The current rules require eligible music to have been or be due for a public release in the United States during the applicable 2026 calendar year, and festival screenings may qualify. International productions can enter where other conditions are satisfied. The score or song must be original and submitted in the composer's or songwriter's real name.
The SCL Awards Committee reviews eligibility and categorisation. Applicants are required to provide cue sheets and evidence of the initial public performance or commercial release. Release rights, credited creators and category placement should be verified before uploading a submission.
Membership and submission costs
Voting SCL members may make one free entry per category; additional entries in the same category cost US$100. Those who are not qualifying members should read the published membership-application rules rather than assuming the awards are open for direct paid submission by any account.
The SCL states that new prospective members should apply early, with special arrangements and higher-tier expedited membership conditions for applications made less than two weeks before closing. Membership dues and eligibility differ from entry fees, and should be checked separately.
Organiser and awards calendar
The Society of Composers & Lyricists is a professional organisation for writers of music in visual media, offering industry events, education and recognition. Nominees and winners are chosen by eligible composer and songwriter members.
Submissions close 30 November 2026. The initial voting round begins in December, nominations are scheduled for 16 December, and the final ceremony is planned for 4 February 2027. Read the complete award rules and release definitions before registering.
Official call and application
Further eligibility and fee details: https://thescl.com/scl-awards-info/ . Official rules take precedence over this overview; reviewed 23 October 2026.