It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Belgian music and audiovisual sectors have had an exceptional start to 2023: a record number of PlayRight members have received nominations or awards for their work in major national and international awards shows.  If you’ve lost track, don’t worry! Here’s a rundown of those who have shone in these first few months of this year.

In audiovisual

First of all, in the audiovisual field, we had the Ensors, which celebrates the talents of the Flemish audiovisual sector. These were the winners:  

• Mick Lemaire, Lara Chedraoui & Patrix, Juicy, Tessa Dixson– winners for the original music of Roomies
• Eden Dambrine as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in Close
• Matteo Simoni as Best Supporting Actor in Zillion
• Maaike Cafmeyer for her performance in a leading role in the series Chantal
• Joke Emmers for her performance in a supporting role in the series Billie vs Benjamin

Then, two of our Belgian affiliates won two of the most prestigious awards of the French César ceremony: Virginie Efira won the César for best actress for her role in Revoir Paris, and Bouli Lanners won the César for best supporting actor for the film La Nuit du 12.     

Bouli Lanners also stood out at the Magritte 2023, winning three of its most prestigious awards: best film and best director for Nobody has to know, and best actor for his role in La nuit du 12.  

In addition, Close, directed by Lukas Dhont, won 7 statuettes, including the Best New Actor award for Eden Dambrine, who is also a member of PlayRight.        

Several other awards were also given to PlayRight actors: 

• The long-awaited Best Actress award for Virginie Efira.
• The award for Best Music went to Hannes de Maeyer and Aboubakr Bensaihi for the soundtrack of the film Rebel by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.     

Thus, the 2023 Ensors, the César and the Magritte highlighted the achievements of many of our members. Congratulations to everyone who was recognised in these ceremonies!    

In music

As far as music is concerned, our members have received accolades in two major celebrations so far- the MIA’s, which celebrates Belgian music; the Victoires de la musique, the music awards ceremony in France.   

Firstly, many of our members received awards from the MIA’s, including:  

• The self-titled album of Metejoor as the best of the year. As well as the best male artist.  
• In the alternative category: Tamino 
• In the dance category: Regi
• In the categories new artist, best female artist and hit of the year (Ongewoon) : Pommelien Thijs
• In the category group: Clouseau
• In the categories “Dutch-speaking” and pop: Camille
• In the category hip-hop: Coely
• In the category Flemish variety: Willy Sommers
• In the categories composer, live and best video: Stromae
• In the category best musician: Stefanie Mannaerts (Brutus)
• A lifetime achievement award: Dani Klein (Vaya Con Dios)

Secondly, these  Belgian/PlayRight artists were recognised in the 2023 Victoires de la musique:

• In the categories male artist and album: Stromae
• In the categories female artist and most streamed album of an artist: Angèle

Therefore, the MIA’s and the Victoires de la musique have shown that Belgian music is greatly appreciated both in Belgium and abroad.Let’s hope that this list of winners will grow in the coming months during other award ceremonies. Our artists still have great things ahead of them, and we are extremely proud of what they have- and will continue to- achieve.