The Australian Women In Music Awards Finalists For 2026 Are Here!

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Returning again in 2026, the Australian Women In Music Awards finalists have just been announced. With a record number of nominations across 22 diverse award categories, these awards acknowledge the vast contribution of those working in technical, production and leadership roles, artistry, songwriting, photography, filmmaking, behind-the-scenes and more.

AWMA has cemented its place as a critical movement for change and one of the most

progressive award ceremonies in the Australian music industry calendar. Supported by State and Federal Government with industry and community partners AWMA shines a light on the immense talent and contribution made by First Nations women, female, gender-diverse and multicultural artists and music practitioners across all areas of industry and all genres of music.

And in epic news, the Heavy Music category is alive and well after being launched in 2023, with our heavy queens this year: Rachel Whitford, Candice Krieger and Robyn Doreian.

The AWMA Ceremony and Concert will be held on Thursday 27 May 2027 at The Fortitude

Music Hall in Meanjin Brisbane, where industry and First Nations leaders, special guests

and community will gather for a star-studded evening, featuring Black Carpet arrivals and a series of high-profile curated performances.

The AWMA Conference will be presented for the very first time at the Judith Wright Arts

Centre on Wednesday 26 May 2027 which will include a series of in-depth forums,

workshops and an ‘In Conversation’ keynote address to be announced.

“It is an honour to announce the AWMA finalists every year to spotlight the extraordinary

depth of talent thriving across all areas of industry. This is how we collectively rewrite the

future of Australian music culture,” said Executive Producer Vicki Gordon. “Warmest

congratulations to all the exceptional artists, leaders, techs and music practitioners working behind the scenes who have been recognised this year”, she added.

The AWMA 2026 finalists were assessed by a whopping 63-member Juror Council led by

AWMA Juror Chair, Queensland musician and educator Dr Diana Tolmie.

“Our Juror Council approached the process with deep integrity and rigour. The extraordinary standard of nominations this year reflects the profound talent and impact of Australia’s women and gender-diverse music professionals. It was truly inspiring to see such strong classical representation alongside artists from the broader sector, and equally encouraging that male industry leaders made up one-third of our Juror Council - reflecting a shared commitment to an equitable future for Australian music,” said Dr Tolmie.

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN IN MUSIC AWARDS

2026 FINALISTS

Inaugural ARIA Music Advocacy Award

Kate Duncan, Alexandra Morse, Chrissie Vincent

Opera Impact Award

Katrina Waters, Jessica O'Donoghue, Laura Hansford

Lifetime Achievement Award

Margaret Brandman, Judy Small AM, Anita Wardell

Australian Women in Music Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Legacy Award

TBA

Tina Arena Special Impact Award

Deb Suckling, Tania de Jong AM, Tracee Hutchison

Humanitarian Award

Louise Sawilejskij, Dr Yantra de Vilder, Zoe Scrogings

Diversity in Music Award

Emma Memma, Karen Kyriakou, Mindy Meng Wang

Excellence in Classical Music Award

Sophie Rowell, Jessica Gethin, Jessica Wells

Australian Women in Music Inspiration Award

Was presented to Kim ‘Busty Beatz' Bowers on March 20th, 2026.

Women in Heavy Music Award

Rachel Whitford, Candace Krieger, Robyn Doreian

Collarts Creative Leadership Award

Sonja Horbelt, Stephanie Nicholls, Chelsea Wilson

Sony Music Australia Artistic Excellence Award

Jessica Wells, Mindy Meng Wang, Aviva Endean

Studio Production Award

Monique Sesto, Sarah Belkner, Sophie Edwards

Live Creative Production Award

Kearna Sweeney, Carley Griffen, Sarah Ponturo

Live Production Touring Award

Robyn Jelleff, Mahalia Swinfield, Katy Richards

Music Leadership Award

Vivienne Mellish, Kristy Rosser, Katy Richards

APRA AMCOS Songwriter Award

Babyshakes Dillon, Grace Woodroofe, Ruby Gill

Emerging Artist Award

Paulina, Lottie McLeod, Steph Strings

Music Photographer Award

Guiliana McGauran, Simone Gorman-Clark, Jordy Pannowitz

Filmmaker Award

Emma Franz, Phoebe Faye

Music Journalist Award

Clare Neal, Heather Anderson, Megan Burslem

AWMA will be held on 26 and 27 May 2027 in Meanjin, Brisbane

More info from https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/

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