The longest-running awards devoted exclusively to film music recordings. They began in 1988 and were first announced in 1989 by film music critic, Roger Hall, on WGBH-FM on the popular “Music America program with Ron Della Chiesa, who is now the voice of the Boston Symphony radio broadcasts.
The Sammy Film Music Awards (SFMA)
are named in honor of the movie lyricist, Sammy Cahn (1913-1993),
who received 4 Oscars and was nominated 26 times between 1942 and 1973,
more than any other songwriter.
These awards are based on the overall quality of the soundtrack and compilation releases.
How the music is used in the film is also considered.
Unlike other film awards, SFMA includes older film music re-recorded or re-issued
as well as new film scores and songs.
These are the 4 Oscars and 1 Emmy Sammy Cahn received, more than any other songwriter of his generation:
Oscar-winning songs:
“Three Coins in the Fountain”
from THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN (1954) — music by Jule Styne
“All The Way”
from THE JOKER IS WILD (1957) — music by James Van Heusen
“High Hopes”
from A HOLE IN THE HEAD (1959) — music by James Van Heusen
“Call Me Irresponsible”
from PAPA’S DELICATE CONDITION (1963) –music by James Van Heusen
Emmy:
“Love and Marriage” from the TV production of OUR TOWN.
All five of these songs were recorded by Frank Sinatra, a longtime friend and admirer of Sammy’s lyrics.
The first Sammy Awards were chosen for best score and song of 1988 – the year of Sammy Cahn’s 75th birthday. When he was notified, Sammy said he was “flattered and honored” to have them named after him. He certainly deserved the honor.
Film Composers with highest number of Sammy Film Music Awards:
John Williams (16 SFMA)
[1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997,1998,
2001, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017 (2)], 2020
See also: A 90th Birthday Tribute to John Williams
Alexandre Desplat (5 SFMA)
[2008. 2010, 2012 (2), 2014]
James Newton Howard (4 SFMA)
[1995, 2002, 2004, 2007]
Alan Menken (4 SFMA)
[1989, 1991 (2), 1992]
Randy Newman (4 SFMA)
[1999, 2000, 2003, 2006]
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