Sir Roger Daltrey and Sir Idris Elba honoured at ASCAP London celebration

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has gathered in London to celebrate the stellar achievements of its UK songwriting and composing members. The invite-only event recognized the British creative minds behind some of the year’s biggest global hits in music, film, and television, anchoring the evening with major honorary accolades for rock icon Sir Roger Daltrey and multitalented artist Sir Idris Elba.

Sir Roger Daltrey, solo artist and legendary frontman of The Who, was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award. The accolade is reserved for music creators who have made pioneering contributions to the industry, placing Daltrey in the company of previous recipients such as Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones. Knighted for his services to music and charity, Daltrey was celebrated for a career spanning electrifying rock operas like Tommy and decades of tireless philanthropic curation for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Globally acclaimed actor, rapper, and DJ Sir Idris Elba was presented with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award, an honor celebrating members whose career achievements seamlessly blend creative spirit with community advocacy. Elba, who was also knighted for his services to young people through his Elba Hope Foundation, has built an expansive musical footprint moving between hip-hop, indie-pop, and club tracks on his own Sound International label.

“Roger’s cultural impact is legendary,” stated ASCAP Chairman and President Paul Williams. “His extraordinary music career has been defined by his unstoppable energy, passion, authenticity and a voice that has shaped the sound of rock and roll.” Williams added that Elba has “inspired audiences around the world through his acclaimed portrays as an actor and his dynamic artistry as both a rapper and DJ.”

The celebration also honored breakthrough talent, presenting British R&B trio FLO with the ASCAP Vanguard Award. Meanwhile, Lola Young and Conor Dickinson secured Song of the Year for their hit “Messy,” and Clementine Douglas earned Top Hot Dance/Electronic Song for “Blessings,” her international collaboration with Calvin Harris. In the screen categories, composer Daniel Pemberton took home Top Box Office Film of the Year for The Bad Guys 2, alongside notable wins for Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and Downton Abbey composer John Lunn.