Nominations Open for 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Women in Music Awards.

Twenty-two categories spanning all music genres and behind-the-scenes industry roles will be presented this year.

A new category has also been added to the mix, the inaugural Music Advocacy Award, established with and presented by ARIA.

The Music Advocacy Award "honours the women and gender-diverse legends championing local music and working tirelessly to make our industry a safer, more equal place 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," shares Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon.

"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."

The cut-off date for nominations is midnight on Monday, June 8th.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 22nd at Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall.

Head to the official website to nominate now.

Last year's award winners were announced at a star-studded ceremony in Brisbane on October 9th.

Co-hosted by broadcaster and author Yumi Stynes and rising operatic soprano Kina Kobe at the Fortitude Music Hall, the night featured over 450 industry and community leaders, artists, and dignitaries, as well as performances by Aylish Ryan, Babyshakes Dillon, ixaras, Kate Miller-Heidke, Missy Higgins, Sarah McLeod, Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) with Dr Shellie Morris AO, and Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn of the Waifs.

A total of 21 awards were bestowed, with Dr Shellie Morris AO leading the way with three wins, including the Universal Music Australia Lifetime Achievement Award.

The late Ruby Hunter was posthumously inducted into the 2025 AWMA honour roll, while the inaugural recipients of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Legacy Award went to Arrkula Yinbayarra and Dr Shellie Morris AO.