Composer Gustavo Santaolalla from Argentina poses with the 2008 BMI Latin Icon award he received as he poses with his wife Alejandra and his children, son Don Juan and daughter Luna, at BMI's 15th Annual Latin Awards in Beverly Hills, California June 12, 2008. -Xinhua/Reuters

Grammy and Oscar-winning composer and producer, Gustavo Santaolalla, was named BMI Icon, Thursday night at the 15th annual Latin Awards.

The BMI Icon award is bestowed on creators who have had a "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."

Santaolalla joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Latin music titans Los Tigres Del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra and Carlos Santana.

Gustavo Santaolalla, Musician, said, "The BMI Icon Award is very meaningful to me for several reasons. I looked up in the dictionary the word icon. There were some great descriptions. One that I took to heart was an image of representation. I think that hopefully through this award I can represent all the great artists that I have had the privilege to work with."

An all-star musical tribute paid homage to the achievements of Gustavo Santaolalla, including a performance by Spanish rock band Cafe Tacuba.