As we look back on the vibrant landscape of film and television music in 2025, we celebrate the ongoing legacy of extraordinary composers who have significantly contributed to this realm. One such maestro is Cliff Martinez, an esteemed composer whose career spans over three decades, and who continues to create impactful scores for both film and television. In this post, we revisit the pivotal moment in 2013 when Martinez was honored with the prestigious Richard Kirk at the BMI Film &; TV Awards. We’ll also dive into his illustrious career, from his early days in iconic bands to his collaboration with renowned directors, and his recent projects that continue to strike a chord in the hearts of audiences.
The 2013 BMI Film &; TV Awards
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), the global leader in music rights management, presented its annual Film &; TV Awards in 2013 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The ceremony honored the composers of music featured in that year’s top-grossing films, top-rated primetime network television series, and highest-ranking cable network programs.
Richard Kirk Award for Cliff Martinez
At the event, Cliff Martinez received BMI’s Richard Kirk Award, which is given to composers who have made significant contributions to film and television music. As the 2013 recipient, Martinez joined a prestigious list that includes David Arnold, Rachel Portman, Alan Silvestri, David Newman, Thomas Newman, Christopher Young, George S. Clinton, among others.
Cliff Martinez’s Journey in Music
Cliff Martinez’s introduction to music began when he joined bands including Captain Beefheart, The Weirdos, Red Hot Chili Peppers and later became a member of The Dickies. These experiences positioned him to create a body of work that is fiercely original and artistically bold. His venture into film scoring began with the Steven Soderbergh directed Sex, Lies, and Videotape – the first of ten theatrical releases they have collaborated on including Kafka, The Limey, Traffic, Solaris and Contagion.
Awards and Recognitions
Cliff’s additional achievements include a GRAMMY Award nomination for Traffic, a Cesar Award nomination for A L’origine and notably, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012. He also served as a juror for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and served on the International Feature nominating committee for the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Recent Works
Over the years, Martinez has added more impressive titles to his filmography, including Robert Redford’s The Company You Keep, Nicholas Jarecki’s Arbitrage, and Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers (co-composed with Skrillex). Cliff’s second film with Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn, Only God Forgives, was released later in 2013.
The 2013 BMI Film &; TV Awards were hosted by BMI President &; CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President, Film/TV Relations Doreen Ringer-Ross. For more information on BMI’s film and television composers and events, please visit www.bmi.com/filmtv.
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