Composer Theodore Shapiro to Receive BMI Icon Award

Prestigious honor to be presented at annual BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards in Beverly Hills.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering gold and silver film reel stock, reflecting dramatic studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic that conceptually represents the prestige of the BMI Icon award.The prestigious BMI Icon award honors Theodore Shapiro's decades-long impact as one of Hollywood's most sought-after and influential composers.Beverly Hills Today

Acclaimed composer Theodore Shapiro will be named a BMI Icon at the 2026 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards ceremony on May 13th in Beverly Hills. The BMI Icon award is the organization's highest honor, recognizing Shapiro's exceptional contributions to film, television and visual media music over his acclaimed career.

Why it matters

As one of the most sought-after and influential composers in Hollywood, Shapiro's recognition as a BMI Icon solidifies his legacy and impact on the entertainment industry. The annual BMI Awards ceremony is a prestigious event that celebrates the top songwriters, composers and music creators behind the year's biggest films, TV shows and other visual media.

The details

The BMI Icon award is presented to composers, songwriters and music creators who have had a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers. Shapiro has scored the music for over 100 films and television shows since breaking out in the early 2000s, including acclaimed projects like 'Tropic Thunder,' 'The Devil Wears Prada,' and 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife.' In addition to the Icon award, the ceremony will also honor the previous year's top composers for film, TV and other visual media.

  • The 2026 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards ceremony will take place on May 13, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California.

The players

Theodore Shapiro

An acclaimed composer who has scored the music for over 100 films and television shows, including 'Tropic Thunder,' 'The Devil Wears Prada,' and 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife.'

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)

A major performing rights organization that collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers and music publishers and distributes them as royalties.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Theodore Shapiro's music has captivated and inspired audiences for decades. We are thrilled to honor his immense contributions to film, television and visual media by naming him a BMI Icon.”

— Mike O'Neill, President and CEO of BMI

What’s next

The 2026 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards ceremony where Shapiro will receive the Icon award will take place on May 13, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California.

The takeaway

Shapiro's BMI Icon award recognizes him as one of the most influential and acclaimed composers in the entertainment industry, cementing his legacy as a true master of film, television and visual media music.