BMI honored the composers of music featured in the past year's top-grossing films, top-rated prime-time network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs May 21 at its annual Film & Television Awards. Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the black-tie gala was hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Film/TV Relations Vice President Doreen Ringer Ross, who handed out more than 80 BMI Crystals throughout the evening.

View Full List of Award Winners

A highlight of the ceremony took the form of the Richard Kirk Award presentation to esteemed composer Christopher Young. Named after late BMI Vice President Richard Kirk, the prestigious award is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions to film and television music. As the 2008 honoree, Christopher Young joins an elite list of peers that includes George S. Clinton, Harry Gregson-Williams (PRS), Jerry Goldsmith, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

Award-winning composer Christopher Young has carved out an enviable niche in the upper pantheon of Hollywood composers. The UCLA Film School alumnus first turned heads with fiendish scores for horror and science fiction projects, and he proceeded to garner accolades for work on macabre and fantastical films including Hellraiser, its Saturn award-winning sequel and Species, along with BMI award-winners Ghost Rider, The Grudge and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Young became a master of suspense, composing music for thrillers including Copycat and BMI honoree Entrapment, as well as dramatic and critical tours-de-force including Golden Globe nominee The Shipping News, Wonder Boys, Rounders and BMI award-winner Swordfish. He also fleshed out the haunting nuances and electrifying action sequences of box office gold Spiderman 3. The New Jersey native has also excelled in television composition, earning two Emmy nominations for telefilms Last Flight Out and Norma Jean & Marilyn. A dedicated mentor, Young has taught classes at USC, served as an advisor for the Sundance Institute's Film Composers Lab and created an innovative residential development to house aspiring composers in Los Angeles.

BMI also presented the Classic Contribution Award to Peter Golub in recognition of his progressive direction of the Sundance Institute's Film Composers Lab for the past ten years. An accomplished composer of film, theatre, ballet and concert works, Golub is a natural fit for the lab, which aims to enhance the role of music in independent film. His acute composition work includes scores for documentaries I.O.U.S.A. and Wordplay, along with films including The Great Debaters. Universally acknowledged as an unparalleled apprenticeship for the next generation of composing elite, the workshop has invaluably benefited from Golub's creative intuition and steady guidance.

BMI's Emmy-winning composers were also feted; the accomplished list included George Fenton (PRS) for the awe-inspiring documentary Planet Earth: Pole to Pole; William Ross for the 79th Annual Academy Awards; Lenny Williams for Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone; Yoav Goren for The XX Olympic Winter Games: The Stories of Torino; Katreese Barnes for Saturday Night Live's "Dick in a Box"; Gary Deinstadt, Billy Barber, Ron Komie, Danny Pelfrey and David Traugh for Guiding Light; along with Wes Boatman and John Henry Kreitler for "Love is Ecstasy" from Passions.

Legendary rocker turned lauded composer Pete Townshend (PRS) took home the evening's most awards, with three BMI Crystals for CSI, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. Composers garnering two awards each were Steve Jablonsky for Transformers and Desperate Housewives; Rupert Gregson-Williams (PRS) for Bee Movie and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry; George Fenton for Fool's Gold and Planet Earth: Pole to Pole; Mychael Danna for Surf's Up and Medium; Aaron Zigman for Step Up 2: The Streets and Why Did I Get Married?; Kevin Kiner for Amazing Race and CSI: Miami; Mike Post for Law & Order and Law & Order SVU; and Matt Koskenmaki for Hell's Kitchen and The Ultimate Fighter.

The night's winning composers for top-grossing films and critically acclaimed gems also included past Richard Kirk Award recipient Harry Gregson-Williams (PRS) for Shrek the Third, Trevor Rabin for National Treasure: Book of Secrets, legendary composer and past Richard Kirk Award recipient Lalo Schifrin for Rush Hour 3, John Ottman for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Mark Mancina for television drama Criminal Minds, Randy Edelman for romantic comedy 27 Dresses, Tyler Bates for horror favorite Halloween and pop music architect Brian Wilson for HBO dramedy series Big Love.

Fellowship winners are given the opportunity to intern with renowned BMI composer Mike Post in his Los Angeles studio and meet with other distinguished theatrical, film and TV composers. Post, Carpenter's longtime writing partner, has penned some of the most memorable theme songs in television history, including Hill Street Blues, The A-Team, Magnum P.I., NYPD Blue, Law and Order, L.A. Law, The Rockford Files, Quantum Leap and City of Angels. A stipend for travel and living expenses is also part of the award.

David Fleming first became involved in composition during his high school years in upstate New York. While writing a piece for a friend's video project he realized he had a particular interest in scoring to visual. After high school, David was accepted into the Studio Composition program at the music conservatory at Purchase College, where he recently finished his junior year. At school he has concentrated on composing for film and television with Emmy award-winning composer Allyson Bellink. This past year he also earned an internship at Eargoo, a Manhattan-based company that specializes in original music, sound design and general post-production for commercials. Outside of school and work, David enjoys recording and performing with his band, The Locomotive Espada.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, more than 97% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

BMI President & CEO Del Bryant; John Williams; and BMI Board Chairman Jack Sander.

Saluted for a “lifetime of brilliant music and performances that have thrilled audiences throughout the world on television, on radio, in concert halls and at the movies,” Williams was recognized as an iconic composer who almost single-handedly popularized cinematic orchestral music. His music has been the lexicon of the broadcasting world for a generation, with his stunning and memorable themes spanning films such as Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and Superman; and televisions series, shows and specials including Checkmate, Lost In Space and the Olympic Games.

Mike Post, Mac Davis, Charlie Fox, John Williams, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff.

“John Williams is truly America’s composer and conductor,” said Sander. “He has been one of the most influential musicians of our era, introducing audiences worldwide to orchestral music through his themes and scores. One of America’s greatest cultural icons, his melodic gifts helped make the films, television shows and orchestral works he created resonate across the globe.”

Bryant added, “The management and Board of Directors of BMI have chosen John for this honor because of the impact his music has made across all media — broadcast and digital — and the cultural contributions he has made as a composer, musician, conductor, television personality and philanthropist.”

Also at the dinner were renowned songwriter/artist/actor Mac Davis (“Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” “In The Ghetto”), legendary BMI songwriter/composer Charlie Fox (“Killing Me Softly,” Happy Days theme), Philly Soul pioneers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff (“If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “Expressway To Your Heart”), prolific television news theme composer Frank Gari (Eyewitness News theme) and multiple Emmy- and Grammy-winner Mike Post (Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, Law and Order). Joining BMI’s Board of Directors were NAB President & CEO David Rehr, executives and Board members of the NAB, and current and former FCC Commissioners.

The dinner has been held annually during the NAB convention since 1949, when it began as a clambake at Chicago’s Blackstone Hotel. “Over the years the event has become the senior annual meeting place of the broadcast industry,” said Don West, former editor of Broadcasting & Cable, who began attending the dinner in 1960. “Owners and executives of this most competitive industry, who spend their days and nights fighting each other for a quarter of a rating point, were as one . . . once a year. The friendships formed at the dinner extended throughout the years, if not the ages.”

Prolific composer Christopher Young will receive the Richard Kirk Award for outstanding career achievement at BMI's annual Film & Television Awards on Wednesday, May 21 in Los Angeles. Staged at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the black-tie, invitation-only dinner will also honor the composers of the past year's top-grossing films, top-rated prime-time network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs. BMI's President & CEO Del Bryant, and BMI's Vice President, Film/TV Relations, Doreen Ringer Ross, will host the event.

Named in honor of former BMI Vice President and film & television department founder Richard Kirk, the Richard Kirk Award is bestowed on composers who have made significant contributions to the realm of film and television. As the 2008 honoree, Christopher Young joins an elite list of peers that includes George S. Clinton, Harry Gregson-Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

Award-winning composer Christopher Young has carved out his enviable niche in the upper pantheon of Hollywood composers with unusual speed and unerring flair. The UCLA Film School alumnus first turned heads with fiendish scores for horror and science fiction projects, and he proceeded to garner accolades for work on macabre and fantastical films including Hellraiser, its Saturn award-winning sequel and Species, along with BMI award-winners Ghost Rider, The Grudge and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Young became a master of suspense, composing music for thrillers including Copycat and BMI honoree Entrapment, as well as dramatic and critical tours-de-force including Golden Globe nominee The Shipping News, Wonder Boys, Rounders and BMI award-winner Swordfish. He also fleshed out the haunting nuances and electrifying action sequences of box office gold Spiderman 3. The New Jersey native has also excelled in television composition, earning two Emmy nominations for telefilms Last Flight Out and Norma Jean & Marilyn. A dedicated mentor, Young has taught classes at USC, served as an advisor for the Sundance Institute Film Composers Lab and created an innovative residential development to house aspiring composers in Los Angeles. He describes his progressive two-pronged approach to composition as the exploration of the contemporary music's abstract ideas and the infinite pursuit of "the great American tune."

The ceremony will salute BMI's Emmy-winning composers from the past year. BMI will also present the Classic Contribution Award to Peter Golub in recognition of his progressive direction of the Sundance Institute Film Composers Lab for the past ten years. An accomplished composer of film, theatre, ballet and concert works, Golub is a natural fit for the lab, which aims to enhance the role of music in independent film. Universally acknowledged as an unparalleled apprenticeship for the next generation of composing elite, the workshop has invaluably benefited from Golub's creative intuition and steady guidance.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to work for 4-5 weeks with BMI composer Mike Post, Carpenter’s partner and friend and writer of such TV themes as NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and Law and Order. There will also be an opportunity to meet with other distinguished theatrical, film, and television composers. In addition, the winner will receive a $3,000 stipend for travel and expenses.

Applications for the 2008 Pete Carpenter Fellowship will be available online at www.bmifoundation.org, via e-mail to carpenterfellowship@bmifoundation.org, or by writing to Linda Livingston, BMI Foundation, 8730 Sunset Blvd., 3rd Floor West, Los Angeles, CA 90069. The postmark deadline for entries is January 26, 2008.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

Fellowship winners are given the opportunity to intern with renowned BMI composer Mike Post in his Los Angeles studio and meet with other distinguished theatrical, film and TV composers. A stipend for travel and living expenses is also part of the award. Post, Carpenter's longtime writing partner, has penned some of the most memorable theme songs in television history, including Hill Street Blues, The A-Team, Magnum P.I., NYPD Blue, Law and Order, L.A. Law, The Rockford Files, Quantum Leap and City of Angels.

David Fleming first became involved in composition during his high school years in upstate New York. While writing a piece for a friend’s video project, he realized he had a particular interest in scoring to visual. After high school, David was accepted into the studio composition program at the music conservatory at Purchase College, where he recently finished his junior year. At school, he has concentrated on composing for film and television with Emmy-winning composer Allyson Bellink. This past year he also earned an internship at Eargoo, a Manhattan-based company that specializes in original music, sound design, and general post-production for commercials. Outside of school and work, David enjoys recording and performing with his band, The Locomotive Espada.

Bryan Senti has been commissioned by Lisa Moore of Bang on a Can and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and has had his work performed in Europe, Australia, and throughout the United States. He has scored numerous independent films, and has composed dance works, rock songs, and a body of concert of music. Recent endeavors include a student fellowship at the Ostrava Days Festival in the Czech Republic and the American Pavilion Student Filmmaker Program at the Cannes Film Festival. As a complement to his musical abilities, Bryan also received a master’s in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University, and has published research in the field of arts policy. He is a master’s student in composition at Yale School of Music, studying with Ingram Marshall. He is also co-founder of a new music production company, Found Objects Music Production, that is planning to launch this summer.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 97% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

George S. Clinton

BMI Classic Contribution Award

Lucas Richman

BMI Film Music Awards

David Arnold: Casino Royale
Tyler Bates: 300
Teddy Castellucci: Wild Hogs
Teddy Castellucci: Little Man
George S. Clinton: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Charlie Clouser: Saw III
Mychael Danna: Little Miss Sunshine
Alexandre Desplat (Sacem) The Queen
Danny Elfman: Meet The Robinsons
Danny Elfman: Charlotte’s Web
Danny Elfman: Nacho Libre
Harry Gregson-Williams: Flushed Away
Harry Gregson-Williams: Déjà Vu
Rupert Gregson-Williams: Over The Hedge
Rupert Gregson-Williams: Click
John Murphy (PRS): Miami Vice
David Newman: Norbit
John Ottman: Superman Returns
Theodore Shapiro: The Devil Wears Prada
Theodore Shapiro: Blades Of Glory
Theodore Shapiro: You, Me And Dupree
Alex Wurman: Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby
Christopher Young: Ghost Rider
Aaron Zigman: Bridge To Terabithia
Aaron Zigman: Step Up

Oscar Award Winner

Gustavo Santaolalla: Babel

Golden Globe Award Winner

Alexandre Desplat (Sacem): The Painted Veil

BMI Television Awards

Chris Daughtry: American Idol
Carim Clasmann (PRS): Grey’s Anatomy
Galia Durant (PRS): Grey’s Anatomy
Pete Townshend (PRS): CSI
Danny Elfman: Desperate Housewives
Steve Jablonsky: Desperate Housewives
Robert Del Naja (PRS): House
Grantley Marshall (PRS): House
Andrew Vowles (PRS): House
Kevin Kiner: CSI: Miami
Pete Townshend (PRS): CSI: Miami
Mark Mancina: Criminal Minds
Bill Brown: CSI: NY
Pete Townshend (PRS): CSI: NY
Brian Kirk:  Ncis
Chuck Lorre: Two And A Half Men
Dain Blair:  Deal Or No Deal
Tony Phillips: Deal Or No Deal
Joel Wachbrit: Shark
Peter Manning Robinson: Without A Trace
Mike Post:  Law & Order: Svu
Jeff Beal:  Ugly Betty
Martin Davich: ER
David Schwartz: Rules Of Engagement
Rob Cairns:  Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Charlie Clouser: Numb3rs
Chris Wagner: The New Adventures Of Old Christine

Emmy Award Winners

Edward Shearmur: Masters Of Horror
Chris Biondo: National Geographic Explorer - Deadly Love
Harry Leonard Williams: National Geographic Explorer - Deadly Love
Greg O’connor: “A Wonderfully Normal Day” From MADTV
Jim Wise:  “A Wonderfully Normal Day” From MADTV
Bradley Hatfield: “Sunshine” From THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

BMI Cable Awards

Natasha Bedingfield (PRS): The Hills
Danielle Brisebois: The Hills
James Levine: The Closer
Alex Wolff: The Naked Brothers Band
Michael Wolff: The Naked Brothers Band
Nat Wolff:  The Naked Brothers Band
Howlin’ Wolf: The Sopranos
James Johnston: WWE Raw
Bruce Hanifan: Deadliest Catch
Terri Nunn: Angela’s Eyes
Mitchell Sigman: Angela’s Eyes
Steve Hampton: The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody
Gary Scott: The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody
Gwendolyn Sanford: Weeds
Gary Stockdale: Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
Rolfe Kent: Dexter
Daniel Licht: Dexter
Matt Koskenmaki: The Ultimate Fighter
Jarrid Mendelson: The Ultimate Fighter
James Levine: Nip/Tuck

BMI honored the composers and songwriters of the music from the past year's top-grossing films, top-rated prime-time network television series and highest-ranking cable network programs at its annual Film & Television Awards. Held May 16 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the black-tie gala was hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Film/TV Relations Vice President Doreen Ringer Ross, who handed out more than 80 BMI Crystals throughout the evening.

View the Film/TV Awards List

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the BMI Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement to multitalented film composer George S. Clinton. The prestigious award is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions to film and television music, with past honorees including Jerry Goldsmith, Thomas Newman, Michael Kamen, John Barry, Mark Mothersbaugh, Danny Elfman, Alan Menken, Mike Post, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams.

George S. Clinton's versatility and musical prowess have placed the Grammy-nominated maestro in the upper-echelon of Hollywood composers. The recipient of six BMI awards and composer for myriad films, Clinton's scores have lent depth to thrillers including Mortal Kombat and Wild Things ; supplied deft timing to comedic smashes Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and its two sequels; and helped paint poignant moments in Joe Somebody , quirky moods in 3,000 Miles to Graceland and foreboding atmospheres in The Astronaut's Wife . An active member of the film community, Clinton also serves as an advisor at the Sundance Institutes' Composers Lab.

BMI also recognized accomplished conductor and composer Lucas Richman with the Classic Contribution Award for ten years of service leading BMI's celebrated Conductor's Workshop. A BMI composer, Richman has led the workshop since its inception. Presently Music Director and Conductor for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Richman is a leading expert in conducting and composing, having fashioned an outstanding career as a conductor with numerous symphonies and orchestras in the U.S. as well as collaborator with numerous film composers as their conductor, recording scores for such films as the Academy Award-nominated As Good As It Gets, Face/Off, Seven, Breakdown, Anastasia and The Village.

BMI's Oscar-, Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning composers were also feted, including Gustavo Santaolalla, whose score for Babel earned him his second Academy Award for Original Score; and Alexandre Desplat (SACEM), whose score for The Painted Veil earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Original Score – Motion Picture.

Danny Elfman took home the evening's most awards, with four BMI Crystals for Meet The Robinsons, Charlotte's Web, Nacho Libre and Desperate Housewives. Composer Theodore Shapiro took home three awards for The Devil Wears Prada, Blades of Glory and You, Me and Dupree; and Pete Townshend (PRS) was once again a triple winner for CSI, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY .

Composers who took home two awards were Teddy Castalucci for Wild Hogs and Little Man; Charlie Clouser for Saw III and Numb3rs ; Harry Gregson-Williams for Flushed Away and Déjà Vu; Rupert Gregson-Williams for Over The Hedge and Click ; and Aaron Zigman for Step Up and Bridge To Terabithia. Other award winners were Jeff Beal for Ugly Betty ; Rolfe Kent and Daniel Licht for Dexter ; Bruce Hanifan for Deadliest Catch ; Steve Jablonsky for Desperate Housewives ; Alex Wolff, Michael Wolff and Nat Wolff for The Naked Brothers Band ; Carim Clasmann (PRS) and Galia Durant (PRS) for Grey's Anatomy; Dain Blair and Tony Phillips for the hit series Deal Or No Deal, and many others.