Australian Women In Music Awards 2025 Finalists

Now in its sixth year, and having received a record number of nominations, the finalists for the 2025 Australian Women In Music Awards have been revealed.

A music industry event acknowledging the vast contribution of those working behind-the-scenes across all areas of the industry – in technical and leadership roles, those working in regional areas as well as emerging artists and singer-songwriters across all music genres – the AMMAs shines a light on the immense talent and contribution made by female, gender-diverse, First Nations and Multicultural artists and music practitioners.

"AWMAs capacity to reach artists and music practitioners in regional and remote communities whilst raising the collective voice to promote the importance of gender equality is our true superpower," AWMA Founding Executive Producer Vicki Gordon says.

"Congratulations to all the exceptional artists, leaders, techs and music practitioners recognised this year. Your talent, passion and impact continues to shape the future of the Australian music industry," she added.

This year Nancy Bates, Elise Reitze-Swensen and Kylie Thompson are finalists for the Tina Arena Special Impact Award; while Kate Miller-Heidke, Missy Higgins and Dr Shellie Morris AO are nominated for the prestigious Artistic Excellence Award.

Missy Higgins will also contend for the Songwriter Award alongside Dallas Frasca and Vikki Thorn & Donna Simpson (The Waifs). The next-gen is represented by Beckah Amani, Katia Geha and Maeve Grieve, who are each nominated for the Emerging Artist Award.

The 2025 AWMA ceremony and concert will be held on 9 October at The Fortitude Music Hall, in Meanjin-Brisbane, where industry leaders, special guests and community will gather for a star-studded evening, featuring Black Carpet arrivals and curated performances.

 

 

 

 

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The AWMA finalists were assessed by a 49-member juror council led by AWMA Juror Chair, Queensland musician and educator Dr Diana Tolmie. "Our wonderful jurors always work hard to recognise the extraordinary stories of our nominees and this year was no exception," Dr Tolmie says.

"They were excited by the innovation and resilience represented by all and humbled by the nominees' continued dedication to the art form throughout so many diverse sectors of the industry."

The AWMAs is supported by government, industry and community partners, cementing its place as one of the most progressive award ceremonies on the Australian music industry calendar, as well as being a critical movement for change.

Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security, and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, Fiona Simpson commented: "The AWMAs shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, resilience and leadership of women in every corner of the music industry.

"I warmly congratulate this year's AWMA finalists, who are not only outstanding artists and professionals, but who are also smashing through the ceiling and forging the path ahead for women of the future.

"In my role representing women and our First Peoples, I am working hard to deliver equal opportunities for all, and I want to acknowledge the work the AWMAs do in promoting both gender equality and cultural equality."

 

 

 

 

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The AWMAs will be held on 8-9 October 2025 in Meanjin-Brisbane. Tickets go on sale in August.

Australian Women In Music Awards 2025 Finalists

Executive Leader Award

Monique Douglas
Kimbali Harding
Nicole Richards

Opera Impact Award

Nicole Car
Andrée Greenwell
Siobhan Stagg

Lifetime Achievement Award

To be announced on the night

Tina Arena Special Impact Award

Nancy Bates
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Kylie Thompson

Humanitarian Award

Tina Broad
Catherine Mundy OAM
Yantra de Vilder

Diversity in Music Award

Grace Chia
Christine García
Mindy Meng Wang

Excellence in Classical Music Award

Cheryl Barker AO
Claire Edwardes
Catherine Milliken

Australian Women in Music Inspiration Award

To be announced on the night

Women in Heavy Music Award

Leah Martin-Brown
Chrissy McHugh
Monica Strut

Creative Leadership Award

Luara Brandao
Kimberley Galceran
Sonja Horbelt

Artistic Excellence Award

Kate Miller-Heidke
Missy Higgins
Dr Shellie Morris AO

Studio Production Award

Tahlia-Rose Coleman
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Louise Wheatley

Live Creative Production Award

Kate Berry
Karen Norris
Sarah Ponturo

Live Production Touring Award

Letisha Ackland
Bonnie Knight
Kat Rallis

Music Leadership Award

Alexis Benedict
Maggie Collins
Fiona Duncan

Songwriter Award

Dallas Frasca
Missy Higgins
Vikki Thorn & Donna Simpson (The Waifs)

Emerging Artist Award

Beckah Amani
Katia Geha
Maeve Grieve

Music Photographer Award

Adrianne Armida
Izzie Austin
Suzanne Phoenix

Filmmaker Award

Izzie Austin
Emily Dynes
Chrissy McHugh

Music Journalist Award

Megan Burslem
Jane Gazzo
Jules LeFevre

 

 

 

 

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