Once again spotlighting the achievements and talented women working in all areas of the Australian music industry, nominations are open for the 2023 Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMAs).
Across 18 categories that recognise and celebrate roles and careers in leadership, production, media, artistry and advocacy. Previous AWMA winners include Tina Arena, Deborah Cheetham OAM, Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Camp Cope, Amy Shark, Jen Cloher, Ngaiire, Dami Im, Christine Anu, Alice Skye, and Jaguar Jonze.Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE, Helen Reddy and Judith Durham AO are AWMA Honour Roll recipients and Renée Geyer received one for her Life Time Achievement in 2018.
Some of the categories include Lifetime Achievement Award, Tina Arena Special Impact Award, Humanitarian Award, Diversity in Music Award, Songwriter Award, Emerging Artist Award, Music Photographer Award, Film Maker Award and Music Journalist Award as well as the the inaugural Heavy Music Award.
"AWMA has become a powerful industry leader, to connect people and communities and to break down the systemic issues which have held women back for decades," founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon says.
"Through AWMA we have effectively raised the collective voice demanding equitable access, safety and recognition for women in the Australian music industry.
"This is reflected in the 936 women nominated, the 136 finalists and each of the 50 recipients who have been recognised for their extraordinary achievements since our inaugural event in 2018.
"This year we are excited to announce the inaugural Women in Heavy Music category created in direct consultation with industry to reflect the depth and breadth of influence women are having on music in this country.
"Powerful female figures, artist managers, booking agents and label managers are putting their stamp on a genre that's been historically male-dominated.
"Women have become a driving force for heavy music across many sub-categories from folk to black metal, and we look forward to shining a light on their extraordinary contribution."
"I was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award for the Australian Women in Music Awards [2019]," shares singer-songwriter and author Dami Im.
"There's always been so many talented women in the music industry – performers and behind the scenes. These Awards recognise all women, who have always been there working their asses off, and they need recognition and encouragement, that allows them to be more visible in this industry. This is so important.
"So if are a women in in this industry, or know a tour manager, a sound engineer, whoever it is, you need to nominate yourself or them.
"Women are inclined sometimes to think they don't deserve the recognition. So nominate yourself, and nominate your sisters because some of the women, they will feel a bit shy about the work that they do."
Nominations for the 18 AWMA categories close 26 April, with the AWMA award ceremony, concert and conference to be held in Brisbane 26-27 September.
Australian Women In Music Awards 2023 Award Categories
Lifetime Achievement AwardTina Arena Special Impact Award
Humanitarian Award
Diversity in Music Award
Excellence in Classical Music Award
Inaugural Heavy Music Award
Creative Leadership Award
Artistic Excellence Award
Studio Production Award
Live Creative Production Award
Live Production Touring Award
Music Leadership Award
Songwriter Award Emerging
Artist Award
Music Photographer Award
Film Maker Award
Music Journalist Award
Excellence in Styling and Makeup Award
