Nominations For The 2024 Australian Women In Music Awards Are Now Open

Nominations for one of the most important events on the Australian music industry calendar, the Australian Women In Music Awards, are now open.

The awards ceremony will take place in Brisbane (Meanjin) on Wednesday, 2 October, with the nomination cut-off date for all 19 awards happening at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 28 May.

AWMA Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon commented in a press release: “The inaugural AWMA in 2018 was a watershed moment for the Australian music industry.

“In a long overdue and much-needed expression of solidarity and leadership, AWMA set the foundation for change, igniting collaboration and support nationally for diverse female creatives, non-binary and LGBTQI+ and GNC artists, First Nations and Multicultural female artists, students, techs, female artists living in remote and regional areas, and music practitioners across all genres. 

“In addition to the Awards Ceremony and Concert, our annual Conference and First Nations Women’s Music Showcase amplify positive role models, helping to break down cultural barriers and negative stereotypes which have prevented women from succeeding for decades.”

Since the launch of the Australian Women In Music Awards in 2018, the industry event has seen 1,544 nominations, 190 finalists and 73 award recipients.

Incoming Australian Women In Music Board Director Sarah McLeod (of The Superjesus fame) said of the awards’ importance: “Having been in this male-dominated industry for so many years, I’m thrilled to be joining the Board of AWM. The community is so strong and getting stronger every year, [and] I'm excited to see where we can take it.

“The Awards help lift and recognise the talent and hard work that occurs on stage and behind the scenes. Nominate yourself or your friends. We want you in.” 

In addition to opening the 2024 Australian Women In Music Awards nominations today, AWMA has announced a new Supporting Partnership with Opera Australia.

Creative Australia’s Opera and Gender Equity Summit Issues Paper reported that 10% of a total of 50 leading creative team roles – only five women – hold those roles at Opera Australia, one woman at State Opera of South Australia and Western Australia Opera, three women at Opera Queensland, and eight women (44%) at Victorian Opera.

Chief Executive Officer of Opera Australia Fiona Allan said of the partnership with AWMA: “Opera Australia is delighted to partner with AWMA to make more visible exceptional female talent across the industry. 

“Through The Opera Australia Impact Award, we are delighted to acknowledge the significant contribution of women working both on and off the stage to make opera that is contemporary and relevant to Australian audiences.”

You can nominate yourself or someone you know for a 2024 Australian Women In Music Award here.

AWMA 2024 AWARD CATEGORIES

1.        Lifetime Achievement Award

2023 Recipients: Kate Ceberano, Jeannie Lewis and Clare Moore.

2.        Tina Arena Special Impact Award
2023 Recipient: Oana Gilbert (Posthumous).

3.        Humanitarian Award  
2023 Recipient: Alison Hams.

4.        Diversity in Music Award
2023 Recipient: Cerisa Benjamin.

5.        Excellence in Classical Music
2023 Recipient: Celia Craig.

6.        Heavy Music Award
2023 Recipient: Emmy Mack.

7.        Creative Leadership Award
2023 Recipient: Claire Edwardes.

8.        Artistic Excellence Award
2023 Recipients: Vika & Linda.

9.        Studio Production Award 
2023 Recipient: Robyn Lee Payne.

10.   Live Creative Production Award
2023 Recipient: Naomi Price.

11.   Live Production Touring Award
2023 Recipient: Jenny Moon.

12.   Music Leadership Award
2023 Recipient: Marianna Annas.

13.   Songwriter Award 
2023 Recipient: Toni Watson (Tones And I).

14.   Emerging Artist Award
2023 Recipient: ASHLI.

15.    Music Photographer Award  
2023 Recipient: Mia Mala McDonald.  

16.   Filmmaker Award
2023 Recipient: Triana Hernandez.

17.   ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer Award  
2023 Recipient: Emily Collins.

18.   Music Journalist Award
2023 Recipient: Jane Gazzo.

19.   The Opera Australia Impact Award

In addition to the 19 awards, the AWMA Honour Roll and Inspiration Award winners will be announced separately.