The Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media is an annual honor presented by the Recording Academy to the songwriter(s) of an original song created specifically for use in a visual work such as a motion picture, television program, video game, or other audiovisual project. Instituted in 1988, the category recognizes the craft of writing music and lyrics that serve a narrative or emotional function within a visual context, distinguishing such compositions from general pop or album-oriented songwriting.
Eligibility and criteria
- Originality: The song must be written expressly for a visual medium rather than being a pre-existing composition adapted for screen use.
- Connection to visual work: The composition should appear in the motion picture, television episode, video game, or other audiovisual release in a way that contributes to that work’s artistic identity.
- Songwriters as recipients: The award is presented to the credited songwriter(s), not necessarily the performing artist, unless they are also credited as writers.
- Submission and voting: Entries are submitted to the Recording Academy and are evaluated by voting members who consider both craft and effectiveness within the visual medium.
- Timing: Awards are presented in a given year for works released during the previous eligibility year.
History and name changes
The category has evolved in name to reflect the breadth of media it covers. From its introduction through 1999 it was titled Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television. Beginning in 2000 the name expanded to Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, acknowledging formats beyond film and TV. Since 2012 it has been presented as Best Song Written for Visual Media, the succinct title used today.
These changes mirror wider shifts in the entertainment landscape: as new platforms and formats emerged, the Recording Academy adjusted the category language to include contemporary forms of visual storytelling and distribution.
The award often highlights songs that become closely associated with the projects they accompany — at times helping a film or series reach a broader popular audience. Because the prize is aimed at songwriting, it celebrates elements such as lyrical integration with plot and the role of melody and arrangement in supporting on-screen drama.
Notable aspects of the category include its cross-media scope (film, television, videogames and other audiovisual projects) and its focus on original composition. For more information about the Grammys and category rules, see the Recording Academy resources: Grammy Awards information.