The excitement is palpable as the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) unveils its stellar lineup of finalists for 2024, marking its fifth anniversary with a record number of nominations across 19 diverse categories.
This year’s Australian Women in Music Awards nominees showcase a remarkable array of talent and expertise, reflecting the rich tapestry of contributions by women, non-binary, GNC and LGBTQI+ individuals from all corners of the Australian music industry.
Among the standout finalists are luminaries like Kasey Chambers, Deborah Conway, Mo’Ju, Alice Ivy, Tana Douglas, Mawunyo Gbogbo and Katie Noonan, each recognized for their significant impact across various facets of music. The breadth of categories acknowledges not only performers but also the crucial roles played behind the scenes, underscoring AWMA’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.
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The awards ceremony, slated for October 2 at The Fortitude Music Hall in Meanjin/Brisbane, promises an evening of glamour and celebration, featuring ‘black carpet’ arrivals and performances themed around ‘From Rock to Opera’. This year, AWMA introduces the Opera Australia Impact Award in partnership with Opera Australia, highlighting excellence in musical composition and performance within the opera genre.
“AWMA continues to champion gender equality and diversity, reaching out to disadvantaged communities and fostering a more inclusive music industry,” says Vicki Gordon, AWMA’s Founding Executive Producer and Program Director.
The finalists were meticulously selected by a distinguished panel of jurors led by Dr Diana Tolmie, a prominent Queensland musician and educator. Dr Tolmie highlighted the jurors’ admiration for the nominees’ resilience and creativity, noting the inspiring narratives that emerged during the selection process.
In addition to the awards ceremony, AWMA will feature an innovative Conference Program on October 1 at the Queensland Multicultural Centre, offering forums that unite industry leaders and community advocates. This holistic approach reflects AWMA’s commitment not only to honouring excellence but also to fostering dialogue and driving meaningful change within the music sector.
Tickets for the AWMA ceremony will soon go on sale, inviting music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to join in celebrating the extraordinary talents and contributions of Australia’s music community.
Check out the full list of nominations here:
ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer Award
Chris Erskine, Paula Girvan, Sean Warner
Opera Australia Impact Award
Andrée Greenwell, Linda Thompson, Jessica O’Donoghue
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kasey Chambers, Deborah Conway, Tana Douglas
Tina Arena Special Impact Award
Shweta Krishnamurthy (aka Xylo Aria), Rebecca Price, Emma Watkins
Humanitarian Award
Liz Archer, Gemma Farrell, Jodie Kell
Diversity in Music Award
Morwenna Collett, Toni Janke, Sandra Morales
Excellence in Classical Music Award
Miriam Gordon-Stewart, Sonya Lifschitz, Karin Schaupp
Women in Heavy Music Award
Mikaila Delgado, Moni Lashes, Tiana Speter
Creative Leadership Award
Phoebe Bennett, Kat McGuffie, Chelsea Wilson
Artistic Excellence Award
Kasey Chambers, Mo’Ju, Katie Noonan
Studio Production Award
Charlotte Adelle, Rebecca Price, Becki Whitton
Live Creative Production Award
Janelle Colquhoun, Sharni Honor, Anusha Matthews
Live Production Touring Award
Tana Douglas, Jenny Hong, Katy Richards
Music Leadership Award
Susan Cotchin, Kerry Kennell, Kat McGuffie
Songwriter Award
Shannon Busch (WILSN), Alice Ivy, Mo’Ju
Emerging Artist Award
Mathilde Anne, Ruby Archer, Cassidy Paris
Music Photographer Award
Izzie Austin, Lucinda Goodwin, Brittany Long
Filmmaker Award
Izzie Austin, Jess Milne, Tori Styles
Music Journalist Award
Mawunyo Gbogbo, Tait McGregor, Ellie Robinson
For more information on the Australian Women in Music Awards, head here.
