15th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards  Live from the historic Wiltern Theatre!

The Guild of Music Supervisors Awards was a night filled with celebration, recognition, and deep appreciation for the role of music in storytelling. Among the many distinguished guests, I had the privilege of speaking with several honorees and award winners who shared their insights and experiences in the field. 

Bonnie Greenberg (in above photo with me) who received the Legacy Award, has had an extensive career in music supervision, working on iconic films such as “The Mask,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” Speaking with her on the red carpet, she shared that she was always pulled back to music and the role of a music supervisor. She emphasized how music has the power to touch a person and evoke all emotions. Grateful to be part of such a beautiful community, she expressed her appreciation for the recognition and the industry she has dedicated her life to. 

Another legend of the evening, Stephen Schwartz, (he is on the left with me in the below photo) was honored with the Icon Award. The acclaimed composer and lyricist, known for his work on Broadway hits like “Wicked,” “Pippin,” and “Godspell,” as well as film scores for “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “Enchanted,” shared a fascinating revelation.

 He admitted that he didn’t fully understand the work of music supervisors until his experience on the film adaptation of “Wicked.” Although he had prior experience, he was overwhelmed by the depth of their responsibilities. He credited Maggie Rodford, the music supervisor for “Wicked,” as a miracle worker and emphasized that the film would not have been possible without her. When the Guild of Music Supervisors contacted him about the award, he felt it was a bit premature, considering he hasn’t worked on many films. However, he was honored to attend and express his gratitude to both Maggie Rodford and the Guild as a whole, stating, “I am really, really happy to be here.”

Actor Jeff Goldblum was present on stage for this part of the show, for his leading role as the Wizard in the movie “Wicked” which is nominated for the Academy Award. I also had the opportunity to speak with Patrick Lawrence Zappia: with me in the above photo, (joined by his mentor Geoff Sherr in the below photo) who won Best Music Supervision in Advertising – Original Music for “Give Your Gift,” a GAP ad.The project, featuring a group of nine people performing live after only meeting 24 hours prior, was an ambitious undertaking. Zappia initially turned down the project because it was outside of his usual genre, as it focused on a cappella music. However, the agency persisted in having him on board, and seven months later, he found himself accepting an award for the very project he hesitated to take on.

Another memorable conversation was with Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada, who wrote (along with Brandon Marcel) and performed the nominated song “Like a Bird” for the film “Sing Sing.” They shared that this was the only lyrical song in the movie, written specifically for the closing scene. The song beautifully captured the human spirit and the perseverance to overcome life’s battles. You can see both of them with me in the below photo: 

Later in the evening, Dan Wilcox was awarded Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film for “Like a Bird.” You can see Dan on stage- on the right in the photo below:

Additionally, I had the pleasure of briefly speaking with Peymon Maskan and Gemma Schladow, who, along with their team, won Best Music Supervision in Advertising (Sync) for “Power of She,” a campaign featuring Simone Biles that promoted confidence 11,3 in women. Their excitement and passion for the project were palpable as they celebrated the recognition. In the below photo- the female I am with is Gemma blotto and the male is Peymon Maskan. They were part of a team who won best music, supervision, and advertising sync for “the power of she.” :

Music Supervisor and Executive at EA Games Steve Schnur won the most awards for the evening with two wins for his work on video games EA SPORTS FC 25 and DRAGON AGE: THE VEILGUARD. 

Danielle Ponder performed her nominated song “Egún” from Apple TV’s MANHUNT, and the artist Role Model gave a rousing performance of their song “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” as the Spotlight artist of the evening: 

On the left of the photo is: Saeedeh Garrett and on the right: Katy Ewalt: The event is produced by the Guild of Music Supervisors Awards Production Committee President Lindsay Wolfington, Vice President Heather Guibert, Janet Lopez, Priya Autrey, and Joel C High. Show Production is handled by Angelia Shepperd from ABS Collective with Talent Producer Julie Donsky, and Technical Production by Nick Urbom from Big Push Media Group.

The event was truly a star-studded affair, with industry luminaries such as music legend: Jimmy Jam, Aloe Blacc, Danielle Ponder, Chuck D, Siedah Garrett, and Moby in attendance. You can see Jimmy Jam in the below photo with me:

Our news team had met Jimmy before, when we were invited to the:  the Recording Academy^® and GRAMMY Museum^®’s inaugural GRAMMY Hall Of Fame^® Gala, live at The Novo in LA Live.  Jimmy Jam was born on 6 June 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. He is a Music Legend, Grammy Winner, Record Producer, Composer, and Actor, known for the 64th Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony. He worked as a Producer for Prince.

He has been married to Lisa Padilla since 25 June 1994. They have three children.

All people in attendance to this event each recognize the profound impact of music supervision in film, television, and advertising.

As the current president of the Guild of Music Supervisors, Lindsay Wolfington, so eloquently stated, music is an instrumental part of storytelling. The work of music supervisors should be recognized beyond the Guild of Music Supervisors Awards. There should be a category honoring them at the Oscars. Until then, we remain grateful for the extraordinary talents of these professionals, who shape narratives and evoke emotions through their musical choices, touching us all in ways we may not even realize.