List of music awards
Overview
Music awards are accolades given to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. These awards are typically presented by various organizations, media outlets, or institutions and are often based on criteria such as sales, artistic merit, or public voting. The history of music awards dates back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of some of the most prestigious awards, which have since become significant cultural events. This article provides a comprehensive list of notable music awards from around the world, categorized by region and genre.
Global Music Awards
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are presented annually by the Recording Academy in the United States. Established in 1959, they are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry. The Grammys honor artistic and technical achievements across a wide range of music genres. Categories include Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist, among others.
World Music Awards
The World Music Awards were established in 1989 to honor the best-selling recording artists from around the world. The awards are based on worldwide sales figures provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). Categories include World's Best Selling Male Artist, Female Artist, Group, and Entertainer of the Year.
MTV Europe Music Awards
The MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. The awards are held annually in different cities across Europe and feature categories such as Best Song, Best Video, Best Artist, and Best New Act.
Regional Music Awards
American Music Awards
The American Music Awards (AMAs) were created by Dick Clark in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammy Awards. The AMAs are determined by public voting and recognize outstanding achievements in the American music industry. Categories include Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Favorite Album.
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. Established in 1977, the awards celebrate achievements in British and international music. Categories include British Album of the Year, British Single of the Year, and British Breakthrough Act.
ARIA Music Awards
The ARIA Music Awards are presented annually by the Australian Recording Industry Association to recognize excellence and innovation in Australian music. Established in 1987, the awards feature categories such as Album of the Year, Best Male Artist, and Best Female Artist.
Genre-Specific Music Awards
Country Music Association Awards
The Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) were established in 1967 to honor outstanding achievements in the country music industry. The awards are presented annually by the Country Music Association and include categories such as Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Female Vocalist of the Year.
BET Awards
The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment. Music categories include Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Best Group.
Latin Grammy Awards
The Latin Grammy Awards were established in 2000 by the Latin Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievements in the Latin music industry. The awards feature categories such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist.
Specialized Music Awards
Mercury Prize
The Mercury Prize is an annual music prize awarded for the best album released in the United Kingdom by a British or Irish act. Established in 1992, the prize is known for its focus on artistic merit rather than commercial success.
Juno Awards
The Juno Awards are presented annually by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to honor Canadian music artists. Established in 1970, the awards feature categories such as Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Group of the Year.
MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) were established in 1996 to recognize artists of any ethnicity who perform music of black origin. Categories include Best Male Act, Best Female Act, and Best Album.