Afghan pop icon Aryana Sayeed will take the stage at the 16th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMAs), joining a star-studded lineup that includes A.R. Rahman, Diane Warren, Kesha, and others.
The event, which celebrates excellence in music across film, television, video games, and more, will be held on November 19 at The Avalon in Hollywood — and for the first time ever, will be livestreamed globally via the Laurel Canyon Live app.
Sayeed, who has long been a prominent voice for Afghan women and artists in exile, is also a nominee this year.
Her song “We Believe in Hope” — written by Jeff Beal, Joan Beal, and Aryana Sayeed herself — is up for Best Song in an Independent Film for the film Rule Breakers. The track, performed alongside the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, underscores themes of resilience and unity, and reflects her ongoing advocacy for Afghan voices on the global stage.
Leading the HMMA nominations this year is Wicked: For Good, with six nods, including two songs written by Stephen Schwartz and performed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Sinners follows closely with five nominations, while F1 and The Ballad of Wallis Island have four each.
The HMMAs recognize composers, songwriters, and music supervisors from around the world for their contributions to visual media. In addition to original songs, the awards also highlight best scores across genres including feature films, animated projects, television, and video games.
Among other standout nominees:
Miley Cyrus is nominated for “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Ed Sheeran and Doja Cat are featured in two original tracks from F1.
Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile teamed up for “Salt then Sour then Sweet” in the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light.
Lady Gaga’s “The Dead Dance” from Wednesday is nominated in the TV category.
As the awards continue to expand their global footprint, the inclusion of exiled and international voices — like Aryana Sayeed’s — signals a broader recognition of the role music plays in resistance, representation, and storytelling beyond borders.
The ceremony promises not only a celebration of musical achievement but also a powerful reminder of the intersection between art and advocacy.
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