The 98th Academy Awards took place on 15th March 2026 at the Dolby Theatre, Ovation Hollywood, with two wins for UMPG composers and songwriters.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of American synth-pop icons Future Islands to an exclusive global music publishing agreement encompassing their full catalogue and future works. Managed by Bertie Gibbon, Brian Message, Clarisse Quinn and Jackson Perry of ATC Management, the band’s enduring catalogue and global impact position them as one of the most significant and critically-acclaimed alternative bands of the past two decades.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music-based entertainment company, has announced today the appointment of Francisca Goncalves as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sync, Classics, Jazz & Screen. This first of its kind position within UMG’s sync operations will bridge publishing and records, and Francisca will lead the global sync vision for UMG’s classical, jazz, and screen-music ecosystem — from contemporary instrumental and score to folk, blues, and alternative pop — across film, TV, advertising, gaming, and beyond.

Bernie Taupin has been recognised with the Trustees Award from the Recording Academy. The Special Merit Award is presented to individuals who, during their careers in music, have made significant contributions to the recording industry beyond performance, recognising Taupin’s profound influence as a lyricist and creative force in popular music. 

UMPG songwriters, artists, producers and composers were recognized with multiple GRAMMY wins this year, including the “Big Three” of Album, Song and Record of the Year.

Billboard Magazine have named Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson their Executive of the Decade. In the Billboard cover story she discusses AI, diversity in the music business and becoming one of the most influential executives in entertainment.
Photo credit: Billboard 

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publisher, and NWS Music Group, a top independent record label & publishing company based in London, today announced the signing of songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Zach Nahome to an exclusive worldwide music publishing agreement.

Five UMPG songwriters have been inducted into this year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame. Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (Kiss) and Kenny Loggins are all amongst this year’s honorees.

The nominees for the 2026 Oscars have been announced, with UMPG composers and songwriters receiving nominations in both the Original Score and Original Song categories.

UMPG Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson received The International Executive Of The Year award, sponsored by PRS For Music, at the 2025 Music Business UK Awards, presented by the founder of MBW, Tim Ingham.