Fraser T Smith was presented with the BMI President’s Award at the 2025 BMI London Awards.
The multi-award-winning producer, songwriter and musician was celebrated for his work and collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the world, such as Adele, Drake, Dave, Sam Smith, Snow Patrol and more.
Throughout the ceremony, BMI paid tribute to the British and European songwriters, composers, producers and publishers of the most-performed songs and top-grossing films, top network television series and highest-ranking cable network and streamed media programmes in the US from the previous year.
The event, held at The Dorchester in London, was hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and EVP, chief revenue & creative officer Mike Steinberg.
With seven No.1 singles in the UK, two No.1 singles in the US and contributions to 20 No.1 albums, Smith has received three Ivor Novello Awards and a Grammy for his work on Adele’s 21, among many other accolades.
Mike O’Neill said: “You are a testament to the fact that the best producers don’t just shape songs, they help shape and define culture….We thank you for enriching the world of music, today and long into the future.”
Upon receiving the award, Fraser T Smith said: "The artists, writers, producers and engineers that I work with in the studio are the creative cornerstone of everything that I do. I feel as though I've literally been standing on the shoulders of giants for 25 years learning from these brilliant people. Making music has always been an escape for me, and I couldn't imagine my life without it."
As a tribute to the night’s highest honouree, Kae Tempest gave a performance of two songs that were co-written and produced by Smith, including Prayers To Whisper and I Stand On The Line. Tempest was accompanied by Leah Cleaver on vocals with Smith on guitar.
Smith joins previous BMI President’s Award recipients including Benny Blanco, Luis Fonsi, Noel Gallagher, Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, Ludacris, Pink, Willie Nelson, Pitbull, T-Pain, Taylor Swift, Brian Wilson and Dwight Yoakam.
BMI London Song of the Year went to I Had Some Help, written by Hoskins, Charlie Handsome, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.
During the ceremony, several BMI Million-Air Awards were presented to the songwriters and publishers whose works have achieved the rare feat of surpassing one million broadcast performances on US radio.
Awards were also presented throughout the evening for the Most-Performed Songs and for Film, TV & Visual Media featuring works from the past year’s top-grossing films, top-rated network television series, highest-ranking cable network and streamed media programmes.
Among the award-winning composers, Atli Örvarsson won seven awards for his work in network television and streaming for Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago PD, FBI, FBI: International, FBI: Most Wanted and Apple TV’s Silo, bringing his total to 54 BMI awards.
Tom Howe was recognised with two awards for his work in the streaming category for Paramount+ series Knuckles and Apple TV’s Shrinking.
In addition, Sola Akingbola received a BMI Network TV Award for Bob Hearts Abishola, while BMI Theatrical Film Awards went to Harry Gregson-Williams for Gladiator II and Hildur Gudnadóttir for her work on Joker: Folie à Deux.
A complete list of 2025 winners will be available here.
PHOTO: Fraser T. Smith and Mike O'Neill, president & CEO, BMI attend the 2025 BMI London Awards at The Dorchester (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BMI)
