The International Film Music Critics Award refers to the annual accolades presented by the International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA), a professional organization comprising online, print, and radio journalists specializing in film and television music. These awards recognize excellence in original film and television scores and are considered by many to be a significant precursor to the Academy Awards in the absence of a dedicated guild for composers. They have been termed the "Oscars of film music" and are acknowledged by major performing rights organizations. The IFMCA announces its award winners annually, typically in February, for achievements in the previous year's film music.