Jerskin Fendrix Returns to the Stage at the World Soundtrack Awards

Composer of remarkable ‘Poor Things’ soundtrack also has new solo work under his arm

The 25th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards is shaping up to be a truly special celebration – and flying the flag for Britain is none other than last year’s breakout winner, Jerskin Fendrix (right in photo). The West Midlands-born composer, who scooped both Discovery of the Year and Film Composer of the Year in an unprecedented double win, will be in Ghent (Belgium) on 15 October 2025 to see his dazzling score for Poor Things brought to life by the Brussels Philharmonic under the baton of Dirk Brossé.

It’s a full-circle moment: each year, as Film Fest Gent and the WSAcademy invite their Discovery of the Year winner back to hear the music that first turned heads. For Fendrix, that debut couldn’t have been more spectacular. From Cambridge classical graduate to cult singer-songwriter with his so-called "epunk" album Winterreise, he leapt into film scoring with Poor Things (2023) – and promptly landed Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations, plus the Georges Delerue Award for Best Soundtrack/Sound Design. Not bad for a first outing.

Playful, eccentric style

His playful, eccentric style proved the perfect complement to Yorgos Lanthimos’ cinematic imagination, and their partnership has only grown stronger with follow-ups Kinds of Kindness (2024) and Bugonia (2025). As if that weren’t enough, Fendrix is busy on the solo front too: on 10 October, he drops his new album Once Upon a Time... in Shropshire, a folk-inspired meditation on life and death in the English countryside. The opening track, Beth’s Farm, already has a striking six-minute video – directed by Lanthimos and starring none other than Emma Stone.

This year’s WSA line-up doesn’t end there. British legend Debbie Wiseman and India’s incomparable A.R. Rahman will both be honoured at the ceremony, with their music performed live.

The World Soundtrack Awards Ceremony & Concert (15 October) is the centrepiece of the WSA Film Music Days, running 14–16 October as part of Film Fest Gent. Closing the celebrations is Minimalism in Motion: Glass, Nyman and Beyond on 16 October – the perfect finale to a weekend of unforgettable music. Be warned though: tickets generally sell out in advance.

(Michael Leahy. Photo: picture alliance / Photoshot)