26th Annual Sammy Film Music Awards for 2013

The Sammy Film Music Awards (or The Sammys) are the longest-running awards chosen exclusively for film music recordings. They are listed on this site and certificates are sent to those chosen for these awards.

For the past quarter century, they have been chosen by Roger Hall, an ASCAP composer, author of the popular book,
A GUIDE TO FILM MUSIC (now in its 5th edition), and Managing Editor of Film Music Review. Roger is also a member of the

If you would like to list the Sammys and exchange links, write to:

The Sammy Awards

Words by Sammy Cahn

He certainly deserved the honor. Sammy received four Oscars for co-writing these 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

Sammy also received an Emmy for his lyrics to "Love and Marriage" from the television production of OUR TOWN in 1955.

All five songs were recorded by Frank Sinatra, who was a longtime friend and admirer of Sammy's lyrics.

Please help support these awards

Make a donation and receive a multimedia DVD or a CD!

Multimedia DVD:

If you donate to help support The Sammy Awards you will receive a multimedia DVD with the revised 5th edition of A GUIDE TO FILM MUSIC (pdf) with bonus audio from Oscar music tributes by Roger Hall on WGBH radio with announcements of the Sammy Awards from 1989 to 1995. Also several videos from a cable television interview with Roger Hall and songs by Sammy Cahn. The book and bonus features are included on the disc, playable on any computer:

You can help support The Sammy Film Music Awards with a donation of $25
you will receive A GUIDE TO FILM MUSIC on DVD with bonus audio and video features.
Free Shipping too!

For $15 you will receive the CD,
"Oscar Meets Sammy: Film Music Awards On Radio."

You can donate by credit card payable to PineTree Productions,
through safe and secure PayPal. Free shipping included!

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Sammy Cahn Centennial Tribute

A CD recorded live in concert with a marvelous group of singers,
accompanied by a swinging jazz combo,
produced by the American Music Recordings Archive and American Classics

Click here

Sammy Cahn Centennial Tribute

The 26th Annual Sammy Film Music Awards

"What really makes the Sammy Awards worth checking out is the irregular addition of irreverent and praiseworthy categories."
-- Timothy Sexton (read the full story on the Yahoo Network)

16 February 2014

By Roger Hall

You probably know about the Oscars but have you heard of the Sammys?

The Sammy Film Music Awards have no connection to the Oscars, BAFTA, Golden Globes, or any other awards and are given in only one category -- film music.

They are based on the quality of film scores and songs on CDs.

These awards are named in honor of Sammy Cahn (1913-1993), who was Oscar-nominated more than any other songwriter – 26 times in all between 1942 and 1973.

The first Sammys were chosen for best score and song of 1988 – the year of Sammy Cahn’s 75^th birthday. When notified, Sammy said he was “flattered and honored" to have these awards named after him.

For many years, I was a guest on the popular radio program, "Music America," in Boston, hosted by Ron Della Chiesa. Some of these radio shows are included on the special CD: Oscar Meets Sammy - Film Music Awards On Radio.

The current awards are based on CDs released in 2013.

Categories for the 26th Annual Sammy Film Music Awards: