Zubir Said Award
With the blessings of the family of the late Zubir Said, SISF will present the Zubir Said Award as our highest honour. Recognising excellence and mastery in screen music and sound that reflect the creative spirit, heritage and legacy of Zubir Said, the beloved composer of Majulah Singapura and one of Singapore’s earliest film composers at Cathay Keris.
Born in Bukittinggi and later making Singapore his home, Zubir Said’s work shaped our nation’s musical identity, from the National Anthem to timeless songs and film scores that continue to inspire generations. The SISF Zubir Said Award carries forward that same spirit of artistry, humility and cultural pride.
The two recipients of this year’s award will be revealed later.
Hans Zimmer
SISF Zubir Said Award Recipient 2025
SISF is proud to honour Hans Zimmer with the SISF Zubir Said Icon Award For Cinematic Innovation, in recognition of his visionary contributions to the art of screen music. Across a career spanning over four decades, Zimmer has redefined the language of film scoring — blending orchestra, electronics and cultural textures to shape some of cinema’s most iconic sound worlds, from The Lion King and Inception to Gladiator, The Dark Knight, and Dune.
Through this award, SISF celebrates not only Zimmer’s artistic excellence but also the bridge between Singapore’s creative heritage and the global film music community. The honour reflects the enduring values of Zubir Said, artistry, innovation and the belief that music has the power to unite and inspire generations.
Conrad Pope
SISF Zubir Said Award Recipient 2025,
Guest of Honor
Conrad Pope is one of the most influential musical architects in modern cinema. His extraordinary work as a composer, orchestrator and conductor has shaped the sound of some of the world’s most beloved films, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Through decades of collaboration with legends such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Alexandre Desplat, James Newton Howard and Howard Shore, Conrad has helped define the orchestral identity of contemporary film scoring.
Renowned for creating movie magic through his orchestration, Conrad has the rare ability to transform musical ideas into emotional landscapes that bring stories to life. His artistry gives narrative its heartbeat, elevating scenes into unforgettable cinematic moments. His influence has inspired generations of composers and continues to shape how audiences experience the power of music in film.
The Singapore International Soundtrack Festival is proud to present Conrad Pope with the SISF Zubir Said Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring his exceptional contribution to the art of screen music and his enduring legacy in the global film community.
More details on his participation in the festival program will be shared soon.