Nominations are now open for the Australian Women In Music Awards

Do you know a woman doing amazing things for the music industry? Throw them a nomination today!

Australian Women in Music have this morning announced that nominations for the 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards officially open today, 28 April. Celebrating the talent, tenacity, and trailblazing spirit of women and gender-diverse creatives, the awards span 22 categories, recognising both on-stage performers and the essential behind-the-scenes roles that keep the Australian music industry thriving.

Australian Women in Music Awards

Nominations open: Today, 28 April

Nominations close: midnight on Monday 8 June, 2026

Award Ceremony: Thursday 22 October

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This year, AWMA introduces the inaugural Music Advocacy Award, established in partnership with and presented by ARIA. This special category honours the visionaries tirelessly championing local music and working to create a safer, more equitable industry for everyone.

“Australian Women in Music Awards is about more than just picking winners; they represent a vital  opportunity for us to stand together and amplify the voices and hard work of the women and gender diverse artists and music practitioners who are driving our industry forward. Since its inception in  2018, AWMA has recognised close to 3000 individuals. By nominating, we’re not just celebrating  talent, we’re actively helping to shift the dial toward a more inclusive and equitable future for  Australian music,” said Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon.

Nominations close at midnight, Monday 8 June 2026, with recipients of the coveted AWMA Spirit trophy to be announced at the 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards Ceremony on Thursday 22 October at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall.

AWMA has become an essential platform for recognising the contributions of First Nations, culturally diverse, female, and gender-diverse artists, musicians, technicians, journalists, photographers, and leaders across every corner of the industry.

Following a remarkable 56% increase in nominations in 2025, AWMA is bringing back the #NominateThem campaign—encouraging fans, peers, and industry insiders to nominate those who may not feel comfortable putting themselves forward. And yes, self-nominations are welcome too.

To find out more about the awards, or to nominate a music industry legend, head here.