INTRODUCTION
The 16th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) stood as one of the most anticipated moments on the awards season calendar. Hosted on November 19, 2025, at the iconic The Avalon in Hollywood, California, the ceremony was a celebration of excellence in music for visual media — spanning motion pictures, television, video games, commercials, trailers, and documentaries.
The HMMAs have continually earned a reputation not only as an early indicator of awards season momentum but also as a night where creative risk‑taking and sonic innovation are lauded. In 2025, the event was broadcast globally for the first time via the Laurel Canyon Live app — a milestone in expanding the reach of the awards and underscoring the global resonance of music in screen entertainment.
Throughout the night, unforgettable performances, emotional wins, and historic firsts unfolded — each moment resonating with the artistry and influence of music in storytelling. Below, we count down the 10 Epic Moments That Shook the Music World from this year’s HMMA ceremony.
1. “Sinners” Dominates with a Triple Win
Arguably the biggest story of the night was the success of Sinners, which emerged as the most awarded project at the ceremony.
- The film secured three prestigious HMMAs, including:
- Song – Feature Film for “I Lied to You”,
- Score – Feature Film, and
- Song – On‑Screen Performance (Film).
Composer Ludwig Göransson, already celebrated for his blockbuster scores, was recognized for his evocative and emotionally rich compositions for Sinners. Meanwhile, actor‑singer Miles Caton, who performed “I Lied to You” on screen, was honored for his compelling on‑screen musical performance — an achievement that highlights the way contemporary films are increasingly integrating original music into their narratives.
The film’s crossover between critical index and mainstream audience appeal was evident throughout awards season, and the HMMAs solidified that momentum in spectacular fashion.
2. KPop Demon Hunters’ Global Breakthrough Moment
Another standout was the international sensation KPop Demon Hunters, which took home the HMMA for Song – Animated Film with its hit track “Golden.”
This win was particularly significant because it marked the first major American music awards recognition for the global phenomenon — a testament to the evolution of animation soundtracks as cultural drivers. The song was co‑written and performed by HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), and distinguishes itself not only through its catchy hooks but also through the way it bridges western awards prestige and global pop culture influence.
Furthermore, “Golden” continues to gather accolades around the world, with nominations and wins in other international award circuits — cementing its place as one of the most impactful animated songs of the year.
3. Historic Win for Diane Warren and Kesha’s Emotional Collaboration
Legendary songwriter Diane Warren added another prestigious award to her already stellar career with “Dear Me” from the critically acclaimed documentary Diane Warren: Relentless.
Performed by Kesha, the song captured both critiqued narrative strength and emotional honesty — qualities that propelled it to win Song – Documentary Film at the event. Diane Warren’s long and storied career in songwriting has influenced countless films and artists, and this win added another highlight to her legacy in music for visual media.
Equally notable was director Bess Kargman’s recognition for Music Documentary – Special Program, illustrating the industry’s appreciation for documentaries that elevate the art of songwriting and music creation.
4. Global Impact Highlighted Through Performances and High Profile Appearances
The 16th HMMAs were not only about awards — they were about spectacle and performance. The evening featured a diverse slate of live performances that spanned genres, cultures, and mediums.
Composer Jeff Beal opened the show in collaboration with Afghan artist Aryana Sayeed, performing “We Believe in Hope,” a piece that was later honored with the 2025 High Note Global Prize from the United Nations Human Rights. The evening also featured performances by other acclaimed artists, including Diane Warren, Aiyana‑Lee, and internationally celebrated composer A.R. Rahman, whose presence brought both star power and deep emotional resonance to the ceremony.
These performances were celebrated not just for their artistry, but for the way they highlighted the cross‑cultural and humanitarian impact of music.
5. Wicked Franchise Takes Center Stage — Double Win Triumph
Wicked: For Good, the much‑anticipated musical adaptation, led the nominations with a total of six, and though it didn’t sweep the night, it secured massive wins in key categories.
Director Jon M. Chu earned HMMA honors for Music‑Themed Film, Biopic, or Musical, while the televised special Wicked: One Wonderful Night was celebrated with the Music Performance / Special Program award, highlighting the franchise’s impact both on screen and in live musical presentation.
These wins illustrated the popularity and critical esteem that the Wicked franchise continues to enjoy among both fans and industry professionals.
6. Lady Gaga and Andrew Watt Shine for Television Music Achievement
In television music, Lady Gaga and producer Andrew Watt were honored for their standout work on “The Dead Dance” from the hit series Wednesday, winning the HMMA for Song – TV Show/Limited Series. The track was widely praised for its darkly atmospheric composition, seamless integration into the show’s narrative, and Gaga’s signature vocal intensity, further cementing her versatility as an artist capable of delivering powerful performances across both film and television mediums.
This accolade highlights how television and streaming platforms now command as much creative energy and prestige as feature film music. Gaga’s ability to deliver memorable and contextually powerful songs has again proven transformative — steering television music into mainstream cultural conversation.
7. Iconic Collaborations and Unexpected Team‑ups
Some of the ceremony’s most compelling moments involved unexpected pairings and unique creative collaborations.
Kevin Bacon and Jennifer Nettles captured widespread attention with their HMMA win for Song – On‑Screen Performance – TV Show/Limited Series for “Our Highway” from The Bondsman Season 1. Their performance was celebrated for its authentic emotional delivery and the way it seamlessly advanced the show’s narrative, demonstrating how character-driven music can elevate television storytelling while creating memorable, award-worthy moments for both performers and viewers alike.
This duo exemplified how storytelling through music is not limited to traditional pop or film, but thrives in varied narrative spaces, including television dramas where character‑driven songs elevate scenes and emotional arcs.
8. Celebrating Scores Across Genres and Mediums
Another highlight of the HMMAs was the diverse range of score awards, which recognized excellence in original composition across multiple genres, including sci‑fi/fantasy, horror, and independent productions. Composers such as Simon Franglen, Benjamin Wallfisch, and Theodore Shapiro were honored for their ability to craft immersive soundscapes that not only enhanced the storytelling but also showcased the evolving artistry and technical mastery required to score for film and television in today’s competitive media landscape.
- Simon Franglen took home Score – Sci‑Fi/Fantasy Film for Avatar: Fire and Ash,
- Benjamin Wallfisch won Score – Horror/Thriller Film for Wolf Man, and
- Theodore Shapiro nabbed Score – TV Show/Limited Series for Severance.
These awards underscore how composers craft unforgettable sonic landscapes that elevate the emotional and atmospheric impact of visual storytelling.
9. Soundtrack Albums and Universal Recognition
Beyond individual songs and scores, the HMMAs also honor broader creative excellence — including entire soundtrack albums.
The soundtrack for F1 – The Album (Atlantic Records) was recognized with the HMMA for Soundtrack Album, showcasing how carefully curated albums can encapsulate the full musical narrative of a film or project. By blending diverse artists, thematic motifs, and cinematic energy, the album not only complements the visual storytelling but also stands as a cohesive listening experience that resonates with audiences beyond the screen.
This win drew attention to how music collections in motion pictures are conceived as standalone artistic works that contribute to the cultural footprint of a project long after its theatrical run.
10. Expanding Global Influence and Legacy Moments
Finally, one of the most transformative aspects of the 16th Hollywood Music in Media Awards was how it reflected the globalization of music in media.
From chart‑topping animated hits and boundary‑pushing television compositions to humanitarian performances and international collaborations, the ceremony’s impact extended far beyond Hollywood. By featuring artists from across continents and highlighting music’s humanitarian contributions, the HMMAs emphasized both the global reach of the industry and the powerful role music plays in fostering cultural connection and social awareness.
In addition, the HMMA continues to serve as an early benchmark for awards season — with many winners and nominees expected to garner further attention at the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars in the coming months.
CONCLUSION
The 16th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards was more than an awards ceremony. It was a cultural milestone that celebrated the artistry of music in visual storytelling, elevated global voices, and acknowledged the expanding realm of creative collaboration.
From Sinners’ triumphant musical score to KPop Demon Hunters’ international breakthrough, and from powerful live performances to genre‑spanning score wins, the evening delivered moments that will resonate across the entertainment landscape.
For fans, creators, and industry observers alike, the 2025 HMMAs reaffirmed that music remains an indispensable force in shaping the stories that move us — whether on the silver screen, in our living rooms, or through the animated worlds that capture our imaginations.
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