Nominations Open For The 2026 Queensland Music Awards

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, allowing artists, festival organisers, filmmakers, and venues to self-nominate ahead of the award ceremony.

The 2026 event marks the 20th anniversary of the Queensland Music Awards, which will take place next April. Nominations are now open, with submissions closing on Monday, 1 December, at 11:59 pm.

The annual QMAs are judged by more than 100 Australian-based music industry professionals. They celebrate early-career artists and act as a launch pad for numerous artists who we now recognise as household names, such as Kate Miller-Heidke, Amy Shark, Violent Soho, Troy Cassar-Daley, Sycco, and Thelma Plum.

Last year’s winner in the Electronic, Export, and Song of the Year categories, Young Franco, said of the QMAs following his recent North American tour dates, “Being a part of the QMAs is so great, it really feels like a community and has always felt that way. Don’t forget to nominate yourself!”

For more information on the self-nominating process and eligible categories, head to the QMusic website.

In addition to nominations opening for the 2026 awards, the QMAs have confirmed the return of the People’s Choice Awards, with the support of The Music.

Music venues and festivals are encouraged to nominate themselves from today to win prestigious titles such as Festival of the Year, Regional Venue of the Year, Metro Venue of the Year, and Accessible and Inclusive Venue of the Year. After finalists are selected, punters will be invited to vote for their favourite festivals and venues via The Music’s voting portal.

The QMAs are also home to an impressive suite of QMusic Scholarships and Prizes, including the Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon Scholarship, Billy Thorpe Scholarship, Carol Lloyd Award and Grant McLennan Fellowship. Applications for the scholarships and prizes are open from now until Thursday, 8 January.

Head to the Queensland Music Awards website to apply and find more information.

2026 QMA Award Categories

Self-Nominating Award Categories: Nominations Open 30 October – 1 December 2025

Contemporary Classical; Blues & Roots; Children's Music; Country; Electronic; Folk; Heavy; Hip Hop; Jazz; Music for Screen; Music Video of the Year Award (Filmmakers only); Pop; Rock; Soul/Funk/R'n'B; World Award.

Venue & Festival Awards: Nominations Open 30 October – 1 December 2025

Metro Venue of the Year (People’s Choice Award); Regional Venue of the Year (People’s Choice Award); Festival of the Year (People’s Choice Award); Accessible and Inclusive Venue of the Year.

Major Awards

Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Highest Selling Single, Highest Selling Album, Export Achievement Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Industry Excellence Awards

Breakthrough Artist of the Year; Indigenous Artist of the Year Award; Regional Artist of the Year Award; Producer of the Year Award (NEW self-nominating award - producers only)