
09/10/2025
Last Saturday evening in Varaždin, the city’s Croatian National Theatre gleamed under a spotlight as the Crystal Pine Awards Gala, part of the 13th edition of the International Sound & Film Music Festival - ISFMF, celebrated exceptional achievements in film music, sound design, and cinematic artistry. The night brimmed with emotion, applause, and a shared passion for the creative forces that give life to stories through sound and score.
Awards were presented in a wide range of categories, including Best Trailer Music, Best Original Song, Best Music Video, Best Short, Best Original Score – Documentary, Best Original Score – Short, Best Picture, and Best Original Score – Feature. The ceremony also featured a special piano performance by acclaimed French composer and pianist Jean-Michel Bernard, adding a refined musical touch to the evening’s celebrations.
One of the night’s highest honours went to Bruno Coulais, celebrated composer of Les Choristes, Coraline, and Microcosmos, who received the ISFMF Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his profound influence and enduring contribution to world cinema through music.
Kathy Kelly, beloved member of The Kelly Family, graced the stage with stirring performances of “An Angel” and Puccini’s “Vissi d’arte” from Tosca. She was presented with the ISFMF Honorary Award for her remarkable career and artistic legacy.
The festival also honoured legendary sound engineer Chris Munro with a Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his outstanding career shaping the soundscapes of modern cinema.
Benjamin Haycock received the Rising Star Award for his emerging voice and authentic storytelling through music. Following the presentation, he took to the stage to perform “Restlessness” and “Brother,” captivating the audience with his emotional honesty and distinctive style — a performance that perfectly embodied the spirit of the award.