Since establishing the World Soundtrack Academy, Film Fest Gent has annually presented the prestigious World Soundtrack Awards for film music. The winners are announced during the World Soundtrack Awards Ceremony & Concert. At the 21st edition, Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Dirk Brossé performed a selection of music by guest of honour Max Richter, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Eleni Karaindrou, and last year's Discovery winner Bryce Dessner, accompanied by film clips on the big screen.
Following the 2020 live streamed anniversary edition, the Film Fest Gent team and the WSAcademy aimed to put screen composers in the spotlight at a festive physical event. For the first time ever, the WSA Ceremony & Concert took place in the impressive surroundings of the Opera of Ghent. The WSA intended to safely bring back together the film music community, from industry professionals to fans from all over the world. As of tradition, the World Soundtrack Awards Ceremony & Concert was the closing event of Film Fest Gent.