Sinners Dominates 2026 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards in LA

The 16th annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards took place on March 25, 2026, in Los Angeles, where the film Sinners emerged as the standout winner of the evening. The film’s song “I Lied to You” won the award for best song written and/or recorded for a film, highlighting its significant impact on the cinematic experience. Niki Sherrod, the music supervisor for Sinners, received accolades for best music supervision in major budget films, further underscoring the film’s musical achievements.

In a remarkable moment, Raphael Saadiq, co-writer of “I Lied to You” and known for his work on the Oscar-nominated song “Mighty River” from Mudbound, accepted the prestigious Icon Award. This honor recognized his extensive contributions to both music and film. During the ceremony, Saadiq performed “I Lied to You” alongside Ludwig Göransson, the film’s composer, with guitarist Brittany Howard joining them for an electrifying rendition.

The evening featured a variety of performances, including Diane Warren, who performed her Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless alongside collaborators Sharon Farber and Eden Kontesz. Keith Secola also took the stage, performing “NDN Kars,” a nominated song from the series Dark Winds. Additionally, Cris Chil, the guild’s spotlight performer for the night, debuted a new track titled “15K.”

A poignant tribute was paid to the late music supervisor Robin Kaye, who was tragically murdered last year. Alejandro Aranda, the runner-up from the seventeenth season of American Idol, honored her memory during the ceremony. Kaye was posthumously awarded the Guild’s Legacy Award, reflecting her esteemed status in the industry and the profound loss felt by her colleagues.

Beyond the accolades for Sinners, other notable winners included Marty Supreme and music supervisor Gabe Hilfer, who took home the award for best music supervision in mid-level budget films. In the low-budget film category, Sarah Bromberg and Stephanie Diaz-Matos won for their work on “One of Them Days.”

On the television front, Hilfer also secured the award for best music supervision in a television comedy for The Studio, while Tiffany Anders won for best supervision in a television drama with The Lowdown. Meryl Ginsberg, Sara Torres, and Jordan Young were recognized for their work on Love Island USA, winning the award for best music supervision in reality television.

The award for best song written and/or recorded for television went to “Dialing In,” a track by Thom Yorke for Apple TV’s Smoke.

An overview of key award winners includes:

Award Winners Summary

Best Music Supervision in Major Budget Films:
– Niki Sherrod for Sinners

Best Music Supervision in Mid-Level Budget Films:
– Gabe Hilfer, Marty Supreme

Best Music Supervision in Low Budget Films:
– Sarah Bromberg, Stephanie Diaz-Matos for One of Them Days

Best Music Supervision in a Non-Theatrically Released Film:
– Frankie Pine for Nonnas

Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film:
– “I Lied to You” from Sinners
– Music Supervisor: Niki Sherrod
– Performer: Miles Caton
– Songwriters: Ludwig Göransson, Raphael Saadiq

Television Awards:
Best Music Supervision in a Television Drama:
– Tiffany Anders for The Lowdown

Best Music Supervision in a Television Comedy:
– Gabe Hilfer for The Studio

Best Music Supervision in Reality Television:
– Meryl Ginsberg, Sara Torres, Jordan Young for Love Island USA

Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television:
– “Dialing In” from Smoke
– Music Supervisor: Mary Ramos
– Performer: Thom Yorke
– Songwriter: Thom Yorke

Documentary Awards:
Best Music Supervision in a Documentary Film:
– Amanda Clemens, Jody Colero for Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery

Best Music Supervision in a Docuseries:
– Deborah Mannis-Gardner for Hip Hop Was Born Here

Advertising Awards:
Best Music Supervision in Advertising (Synch):
– Nellie Rajabi, Jonathan Wellbelove for Apple – “iPhone 17 Pro | The Ultimate Pro”

Best Music Supervision in Advertising (Original Music):
– Patrick Lawrence Zappia for Gap – “Give Your Gift. (2025)”

Best Music Supervision in Advertising (Long-Form):
– Julian Drucker for Yogi Tea – “The Theory of Spice”

Trailer Awards:
Best Music Supervision in a Trailer (Film):
– Adam Konger, Sanaz Lavaedian, Marina Polites for One Battle After Another (Official Trailer 2)

Best Music Supervision in a Trailer (Series):
– Scenery Samundra, Gregory Sweeney for The White Lotus: Season 3 (Official Trailer)

Best Music Supervision in a Trailer (Video Game & Interactive):
– Megan Barbour, Naaman Snell for Fortnite Battle Royale “Chapter 6 Season 2: Lawless” (Cinematic Gameplay Trailer)

Video Game Awards:
Best Music Supervision in a Video Game (Synch):
– Allison Wood for NASCAR 2025

Best Music Supervision in a Video Game (Original Music):
– Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
– Music Supervisor: Hideo Kojima
– Composers: Ludvig Forssell, Woodkid

The Guild of Music Supervisors Awards celebrates the artistry and expertise of music supervisors across various media, reflecting their vital role in enhancing storytelling through music. This year’s event not only honored outstanding achievements but also paid tribute to the enduring legacy of a beloved industry professional.