Oscar Wins for 'KPop Demon Hunters,' 'Sinners' & 'Train Dreams' at SCL Awards 2026

The 2026 Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Awards highlight the growing influence of diverse musical styles in visual media.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The 2026 Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Awards have underscored a significant trend: the increasing recognition of music's pivotal role in visual media, spanning film, television, and even interactive games. This year's winners, including projects like KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners, signal a broadening scope for these awards and a growing appreciation for diverse musical styles.

Why it matters

The success of projects like 'KPop Demon Hunters' and 'Sinners' at the SCL Awards suggests a potential breakthrough for genres like K-Pop and globally-influenced music in mainstream awards circuits, as well as a broader trend of genre blending in visual media, particularly animated films. The emphasis on collaboration between composers and directors also highlights the vital role of music in shaping the cinematic experience.

The details

KPop Demon Hunters' success, with songwriters EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick winning for 'Golden,' demonstrates the growing influence of K-Pop on Western soundtracks. Composer Ludwig Göransson's double win for Sinners - for both the score and the song 'I Lied to You' (with Raphael Saadiq) - solidifies his position as a leading figure in film music. The SCL's Spirit of Collaboration Award, presented to Göransson and director Ryan Coogler, emphasizes the importance of the composer-director relationship in crafting a compelling cinematic experience.

  • The 2026 Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL) Awards were held on February 7, 2026.

The players

EJAE

A songwriter who won for the song 'Golden' from the film KPop Demon Hunters, highlighting the growing influence of K-Pop on Western soundtracks.

Mark Sonnenblick

A songwriter who co-wrote the song 'Golden' from the film KPop Demon Hunters, which won at the SCL Awards.

Ludwig Göransson

A composer who won double awards for the score and song 'I Lied to You' (with Raphael Saadiq) from the film Sinners, solidifying his position as a leading figure in film music.

Ryan Coogler

A director who received the Spirit of Collaboration Award with composer Ludwig Göransson, emphasizing the importance of the composer-director relationship in crafting a compelling cinematic experience.

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The takeaway

The success of diverse musical styles like K-Pop and the emphasis on collaboration between composers and directors at the SCL Awards suggest a future where the soundscape of film and television will continue to evolve, with greater representation of global influences and a focus on seamlessly integrating music and visuals to enhance the storytelling experience.