March 24, 2008

By By Leila Cobo, Miami

Argentine composer and producer Gustavo Santaolalla, whose scores for "Brokeback Mountain" and "Babel" won him Oscar Awards, will be honored as the BMI Icon during BMI's 15th annual Latin Awards Ceremony.

Santaolalla will be recognized during the awards ceremony taking place June 12 in Los Angeles. The event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of the past year's top BMI Latin songs played on American radio and television, with special honors given to the Latin song, songwriter and publisher of the year.

BMI's Icon award is given to artists who have had a "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." Past honorees include Los Tigres del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra, Biran Wilson, Dolly Parton and James Brown.

Originally a rock musician with his band Arco Iris, Santaolalla went on to become one of the most successful rock/alternative producers in the Latin sphere, working with partner Anibal Kerpel in albums by the likes of Juanes (originally signed to Santaolalla's label, Surco), Julieta Venegas and Bersuit Vergarabat.

The BMI Latin music awards will take place at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles and will be hosted by BMI president and CEO Del Bryant and BMI assistant VP, Latin music, Delia Orjuela.

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