By Jackie Shannon
Music is often the forgotten element of a film or TV series, the glue that holds it all together, often creating a seamless work of art. Yes, the Oscars, Golden Globes, AACTAs and other awards ceremonies celebrate the work of composers and other musicians, but few awards nights are devoted solely to on-screen music. One of the rare events to do so are Australia’s Screen Music Awards, the winners of which were announced last night at a glittering ceremony at Sydney’s City Recital Hall.
The ceremony was hosted by The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen and featured presenters Justine Clarke, Michael Dorman, Raelee Hill, Craig Hall, Fiona Cameron, Jeremy Lindsay-Taylor and Fraser Stark. Also on hand was The Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, who has produced the latest album from fellow presenter, Jon Stevens.
Voted for by a panel of respected industry judges from the film, television, advertising and music industries, this year’s winners included a mix of highly established names and rising talents. Antony Partos and Matteo Zingales took out the prestigious Feature Film Score Of The Year award for their atmospheric electronic score for the American drama, 99 Homes, starring Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon. Partos also receiving the award for Best Soundtrack Album for his work on Jen Peedom’s lauded documentary, Sherpa, taking his Screen Music Awards total haul to 11 since 2004.
Multi-skilled composer Alan John received his fourth Screen Music Award, this time in the category of Best Music For A Mini-Series Or Telemovie for his work on the celebrated ABC mini-series, The Beautiful Lie. The Best Television Theme gong went to composer, Peter Cavallo, who took home his first ever Screen Music Award for the opening theme for the series, Nos Youm. Sally and Darren Seltmann’s song, “Dancing In The Darkness”, for the ABC television series, The Letdown, won the pair their first Screen Music Award. The husband and wife duo’s collaboration took out Best Original Song Composed for the Screen. Roger Mason received his tenth Screen Music Award with his work on SBS-TV’s searing drama, The Principal, winning Best Music For A Television Series Or Serial. Sydney composer, Caitlin Yeo, won the award for Best Music For A Documentary for Getting Frank Gehry, which follows the creative process of world renowned architect, Frank Gehry, as he creates his very first building in Australia.
