2025 AAM Awards: Shortlist Announced

Andrew Klippel (Ourness), Daniel Nascimento (UNIFIED Music Group), Jacqueline Thomas-Piccardi (Cinque Artist Management), Leigh Treweek (Handshake MGMT), and Simone Ubaldi & Andrew Parisi (Sundowner Artists) are in the running for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Association of Artist Managers Awards, with nominations announced today, Tuesday, March 25th.

Also vying for Breakthrough Manager of the Year are Ash Hills (UNIFIED Music Group), James Fava (Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide), Luke Giannoukas (Teamwrk Management), Sarah McMillan (BootsDarling Music), and Steve de Wilde (UNIFIED Music Group).

The celebration takes place on Wednesday, April 30th, at Northcote Social Club in Naarm/Melbourne. The lunchtime event honours the “incredible domestic and international achievements by Australian artist managers, shining a light on the key figures behind the global success of Australian artists,” reads a statement.

Awards on the day include Breakthrough Manager of the Year, the Community Engagement Award, the Patrons Gift Award, and the Legacy Award. As previously reported, the Legacy Award will go to John Watson (Eleven Music), who represents artists like Missy Higgins, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and more.

This year’s event will be hosted by podcast producer, music journalist, and media personality Tait McGregor.

The APRA AMCOS Lighthouse Award recipient will also be revealed at the 2025 ceremony.

Nominees are selected through consultation with a music industry judging committee. See the full list of nominees below.

2025 AAM Awards Shortlist

Presented by White Sky

Manager of the Year  Presented By White Sky

Andrew Klippel, Ourness Daniel Nascimento, UNIFIED Music Group Jacqueline Thomas-Piccardi, Cinque Artist Management Leigh Treweek, Handshake MGMT Simone Ubaldi & Andrew Parisi, Sundowner Artists

Breakthrough Manager of the Year  Presented by DMT Law Firm

Ash Hills, UNIFIED Music Group James Fava, Intergalactic Fantastic Worldwide Luke Giannoukas, Teamwrk Management Sarah McMillan, BootsDarling Music Steve de Wilde, UNIFIED Music Group

Emerging Manager of the Year  Presented by Live Event Logistics

Damien Platt, Palms Management Elise Naismith, Lemon Tree Music Kristie McCarthy, Lemon Tree Music Rachel Whitford, 27 Music Zac Abroms, Viceroyalty

Community Engagement Award  Presented by Oztix

Fiona Duncan, Loog Management Louise Sawilejskij, Nala Music Nick Finch, Low and Tight Skinny O’Leary, Sidequest Stu McCullough, Amplifire Music

aam.org.au