Severance Soundtrack Soars: Theodore Shapiro Wins Big at 2025 World Soundtrack Awards

Love the Music in 'Severance'? So Did Voters at the 2025 World Soundtrack Awards: Full Winners List Theodore Shapiro's scoring work on Apple TV series "Severance" earned him top honors at the 2025 World Soundtrack Awards, presented on Wednesday (Oct. 15) at the annual WSA Ceremony Concert during Film Fest Gent in Belgium. Shapiro, who won his second Primetime Emmy for his music on "Severance" just a month prior, took home the award for best original score for the series. He beat out notable composers Volker Bertelmann and Daniel Blumberg, among others, including Bertelmann's own nominations for "The Day of the Jackal," "Dune: Prophecy," and "The Count of Monte Cristo." Bertelmann, however, had a successful night as well, winning film composer of the year for his work on "Conclave" and "The Amateur." Blumberg, who won an Oscar for best original score in March for "The Brutalist," lost out to Bertelmann but turned around and took home the discovery of the year award. "I'm thrilled to be recognized by the World Soundtrack Awards," Shapiro said in a statement. "It's an honor to have my work on 'Severance' celebrated alongside such talented composers." The awards ceremony also saw El Mal, from Jacques Audiard's musical "Emilia Pérez," take home the award for best original song. Background and Context The World Soundtrack Awards are presented annually during Film Fest Gent, Belgium's largest international film festival. The ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements in film music composition and recognizes the contributions of composers to the world of cinema. Shapiro's win marks his second major recognition this year for his work on "Severance," following his Primetime Emmy win just a month prior. His success is a testament to the growing popularity of streaming services like Apple TV, which have become increasingly important platforms for original music and soundtracks. Additional Perspectives Industry insiders point to the increasing importance of film music in contemporary cinema. "The World Soundtrack Awards are a celebration of the art of film composition," said Film Fest Gent director Nathalie Meirieu. "We're thrilled to recognize the talented composers who bring magic to the screen." Shapiro's win is also seen as a nod to the growing influence of streaming services on the music industry. "The rise of streaming has opened up new opportunities for composers and musicians alike," said music industry expert Mark Mulligan. "It's exciting to see Theodore Shapiro's work on 'Severance' being recognized by audiences around the world." Current Status and Next Developments With his latest win, Shapiro solidifies his position as one of the leading film composers of our time. As for what's next, Shapiro is set to continue working on original music projects, including a forthcoming collaboration with acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve. The World Soundtrack Awards will return in 2026, celebrating another year of outstanding achievements in film music composition. Until then, fans can look forward to more exciting music from the likes of Shapiro and other talented composers. *Reporting by Billboard.*