Association of Artist Managers Awards 2026 Winners Revealed

The 2026 Association of Artist Managers (AAM) Award winners have been revealed.

The winners were announced at Crowbar in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, some of which represent some of Australia best and brightest talent like Amyl and the Sniffers, Kasey Chambers, Ngaiire, SPEED and more.

The big winners of the day were Simone Ubaldi and Andrew Parisi (Sundowner Music) for Manager of the Year.

"Simone and Andrew have been with us since the beginning. Being a manager appears to be a relatively thankless job, and I can say from the bottom of our hearts that they deserve their acknowledgement tonight," Amyl and the Sniffers' Amy Taylor said.

"They've been gruelling alongside us and in front of us for about eight years and jumped on board long before it was fruitful for them in any way, other than that they liked our music and had the skills to support us (as they do with many artists they work with who haven't got the financial means).

"All their artists are lucky to work with them. Before music managers, they are music fans who believe in the life that live music and recorded music gives to the sometimes dark world. Their protectiveness in the belief that artist should not be exploited is at the forefront of their decisions and that’s something we're really grateful to be shielded from.

"They've helped each of the Sniffers through areas they didn't need to which is a testament to their generosity. Not only are they music managers ,they also run a live music venue and contribute to community radio, and love going to watch live music. They're not persuaded by dodgy deals and they're fiercely protective, as anyone whose come in their crossfires I'm sure is aware of. Their job isn't easy, but they’ve not only managed us as a band, they’ve also managed to not blow their brains out dealing with our shit for 8 odd years."

APRA/AMCOS' Lighthouse Award recipient was also revealed to be Kristie McCarthy of Neon Tiger Management.

Check out all of the winners below.

“The AAM Awards recognise the managers at the centre of artist careers; the ones driving strategy, navigating complexity, and making the work happen behind the scenes," AAM Executive Director, Maggie Collins, said.

"This year’s nominees reflect the strength, diversity and ambition of our community. Our winners set the benchmark for modern management: forward-thinking, resilient, and deeply invested in their artists’ success. But they’re also part of a broader ecosystem of managers who are all shaping the future of Australian music. These awards are about celebrating that impact, and making sure the people behind the progress are seen. A huge congratulations to all of our nominees and winners today."

Manager Of The Year

Simone Ubaldi & Andrew Parisi, Sundowner Music
Roster: Amyl and The Sniffers, Grace Cummings, The Gnomes, Girl and Girl, Nice Biscuit (Consultant Managers), Baby Cool (Consultant Managers)

Breakthrough Manager Of The Year

Christopher Kevin Au, 24 Karat Enterprises
Roster: POSSESHOT, SPEED (Co-Manager), Shady Nasty (Co-Manager), FUKHED (Co-Manager)

Emerging Manager Of The Year Winner

Ali Tomanoa, Soul Has No Tempo
Roster: Miss Kaninna

Community Engagement Award

Tani Webb, First Nations Focus (FNFocus)
Roster: FLEWNT, Inkabee, Taija

Legacy Award Winner

Melita Hodge, Six Boroughs Management
Roster: Kasey Chambers, Andy Golledge, Denvah, Ball Park Music (Co-Manager), Ruby Jackson (Co-Manager)

Patron’s Gift Award Winner

Ben Pierpoint, Ben Pierpoint Management
Roster: Dino Dimitriadis, DOBBY, GODTET, Jamaica Moana (Co-Manager), Milan Ring, Ngaiire (Co-Manager), Rose Riebl, Wallace