Darcy Gross

Nominations extended for Australian Women in Music Awards

Nominate yourself or nominate someone else deserving!

In response to resounding interest and overwhelming industry demand, the 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) has extended its nomination period. Entries will now close at midnight, Monday 22 June 2026.

This is a moment to celebrate the remarkable artists, leaders, and changemakers shaping the future of Australian music with talent, resilience, and boundless creativity. Whether shining a spotlight on someone else’s achievements or stepping forward to nominate yourself, now is the time to honour excellence.

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

AWMA recognises the vital contributions of First Nations, female, and gender-diverse artists and music practitioners across all genres and sectors of the industry. Through its 22 diverse award categories, AWMA transforms visibility into sustainable career pathways, challenging traditional narratives while championing executive, technical, and creative brilliance.

The awards also proudly introduce the inaugural Music Advocacy Award, established in partnership with ARIA, honouring the women and gender-diverse legends working tirelessly to make the industry safer, more equal, and more inclusive.

From trailblazers redefining the landscape, to the quiet achievers behind the scenes—producers, engineers, creatives, and elders—every contribution matters. This is your opportunity to be seen, to be heard, and to celebrate those who are shaping the music of tomorrow.

“We’re not just celebrating talent, we’re actively shifting the dial toward a more inclusive and equitable future for Australian music. Despite exceptional creative talent, women and non-binary professionals face deep-rooted structural barriers, including stark gender imbalances in radio airplay and festival lineups. Since inception in 2018, AWMA has recognised close to 3000 individuals” said Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon.

AWMA has become a vital platform for recognising the vast contributions of First Nations, culturally diverse, female and gender-diverse artists, musicians, technicians, photographers, journalists, leaders and music practitioners from every corner of the industry.

After seeing an astounding 56% increase in nominations in 2025, AWMA will bring back the #NominateThem campaign which encourages fans, peers and industry to nominate those who may not feel comfortable to put themselves forward, plus – you can also nominate yourself #NominateYou

The strict cut-off date for nominations is midnight on Monday June 22, 2026. Recipients of the much-coveted AWMA Spirit trophy will be announced at the 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards Ceremony on Thursday October 22 at the Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane.

Nominate here.

 

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