Theodore Shapiro Honored with BMI Icon Award at 2026 Film TV Awards

Theodore Shapiro was honored with the BMI Icon Award during the 2026 BMI Film, TV and Visual Media Awards, held on May 13, 2026, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The award recognized Shapiro’s extensive body of work spanning 25 years across the film and television industries.

The ceremony also served to salute composers for the previous year’s top-grossing films, top-rated primetime network television series and the highest-ranking cable, streamed media programs, and video games.

Award Presentation and Recognition

Mike Steinberg, BMI executive vice president and chief revenue and creative officer, presented Shapiro with the BMI Icon Award. During the presentation, Steinberg highlighted the composer’s impact on the industry.

“Teddy, it is such a privilege to celebrate your incomparable and enduring contributions to the world of film and television music. We are very proud to pay tribute to your rich legacy and beyond excited for all you will create next.”Mike Steinberg

The ceremony included a tribute video that featured messages from Shapiro’s family and several of his professional collaborators. Contributors to the video included Paul Feig, Chris Fogel, Ludwig Göransson, Karyn Kusama, Jay Roach, Sam Schwartz, and Ben Stiller.

Shapiro’s Career and Accolades

In addition to receiving the BMI Icon Award, Shapiro earned three regular BMI Awards during the event for his work on Another Simple Favor, Severance, and The Housemaid. These wins brought his career total to 28 BMI Awards.

Shapiro’s recent professional achievements include winning two Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022 and 2025 for his scores for the Apple TV+ series Severance. His history with the Primetime Emmys dates back to 2012, when he received his first nomination for scoring the HBO production Game Change. He has also received multiple Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

His recent and upcoming projects include scores for The Devil Wears Prada II, Focker in Law, and the Apple TV+ mini-series The Off Weeks.

“I want to thank BMI for everything you do on behalf of all of us, the work that you do in support of us is so impactful.”Theodore Shapiro

“There are so many people in this room who have taught me so much… and I feel a really strong kinship with all of you, that shared language that we have knits us into a community… it’s such an honor to accept this award in your presence.”Theodore Shapiro

Ceremony Highlights and Award Winners

Atli Örvarsson was the most decorated individual of the evening, winning six awards. Several other composers also secured multiple awards, including Dominic Lewis, Brian Tyler, Ramin Djawadi, Fil Eisler, Christopher Lennertz, Mike Post, Atticus Ross, and Alan Silvestri.

The ceremony also recognized several other composers for their specific contributions to notable productions:

• Sherri Chung for Found
• Alexandre Desplat for Jurassic World Rebirth
• Harry Gregson-Williams for The Gilded Age
• Ludwig Göransson for Sinners
• Gustavo Santaolalla for The Last of Us
• Sarah Schachner for Predator: Badlands

The event marked the first time 19 individuals received awards, including Joshua Carro, Zach Cregger, Ilan Eshkeri, Michael Griffin, Hays Holladay, Ryan Holladay, Alexis Martin, and Antonio Sanchez.

Historical Context of the BMI Icon Award

The BMI Icon Award is a prestigious distinction previously bestowed upon a variety of notable composers. Past recipients include:

• Terence Blanchard
• Mychael Danna
• Alexandre Desplat
• Ramin Djawadi
• Harry Gregson-Williams
• James Newton Howard
• Christopher Lennertz
• Thomas Newman
• Rachel Portman (PRS)
• Mike Post
• Atticus Ross
• Alan Silvestri
• Brian Tyler
• John Williams

The 2026 ceremony was hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neill, Tracy McKnight, VP, Creative, Film, TV & Visual Media, and Theodore Shapiro.