2026 Finalists

Inaugural ARIA Music Advocacy Award

This award recognises a woman or gender diverse person who is advocating and influencing outcomes and pushing for meaningful reform for issues shaping the future of the Australian contemporary music industry.

Just as other industries have built powerful lobbying forces that influence policy and drive systemic change at every level of government and with the community, similarly, the Australian music industry needs champions for local music with the Australian public and strong advocates for equality and safety for everyone

FINALISTS: Kate Duncan, Alexandra Morse, Chrissie Vincent

Opera Impact Award

The Opera Impact Award acknowledges a female or gender-diverse person working in the field of opera as an artist, creative producer or manager, through which their vision and agency have made a significant impact on the ongoing development of the artform.

FINALISTS: Katrina Waters, Jessica O’Donoghue, Laura Hansford

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to a female or gender-diverse artist or musician who has made an outstanding artistic contribution to the field of recording and/or live performance during their lifetime.

FINALISTS: Margaret Brandman, Judy Small AM, Anita Wardell

Australian Women in Music
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Legacy Award

Established to encourage First Nations Women and their contributions to the Australian music industry. This award recognises the voices, stories and leadership through music, truth-telling and inter-generational legacy honouring the women who are paving the way and stewarding culture within communities.

The recipient of this award will be announced on the evening of the Awards Ceremony.

Tina Arena Special Impact Award

This award honours an unsung champion of the Australian music industry — someone whose sustained, often behind the scenes contribution has profoundly shaped the lives, careers, and wellbeing of others.

FINALISTS: Deb Suckling, Tania de Jong AM, Tracee Hutchison

Humanitarian Award

Recognises an individual (female, male or gender-diverse person) who has made a significant and lasting contribution in assisting female and gender-diverse artists working in remote and/or regional communities.

FINALISTS: Louise Sawilejskij, Dr Yantra de Vilder, Zoe Scrogings

Diversity in Music Award

Recognises an individual artist or female or gender diverse led collaboration whose professional practice measurably advances cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity within the Australian music ecosystem.

This award acknowledges excellence across varied forms of culturally diverse practice, including creative expression, advocacy, access-building and structural change.

FINALISTS: Emma Memma, Karen Kyriakou, Mindy Meng Wang

Excellence in Classical Music Award

Recognises a mid-to-late career female or gender-diverse classical music artist who has demonstrated musical excellence throughout their career.

FINALISTS: Sophie Rowell, Jessica Gethin, Jessica Wells

Australian Women in Music Inspiration Award

Represents a highly regarded creative role model for younger generations of recording, song-writing and live performance. An exceptional original musical artist or group with a unique talent who leads by example with confidence, authenticity, commitment and integrity.

This award was presented to Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers on 20 March 2026.

Women in Heavy Music Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse person who has made contributions of outstanding significance as an artist, musician, music practitioner, agent, artist or label manager, supporter and/or advocator of Heavy Music.

FINALISTS: Rachel Whitford, Candace Krieger, Robyn Doreian

CollArts Creative Leadership Award

A curatorial award recognising excellence in creative programming from a female or gender-diverse person working in broadcast media (radio, tv, online, streaming services), a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female and gender-diverse artists.

FINALISTS: Sonja Horbelt, Stephanie Nicholls, Chelsea Wilson

Sony Music Australia Artistic Excellence Award

Recognises exceptional creative achievement from a female or gender-diverse artist/musician across any genre. This award recognises excellence relative to opportunity, career stage, and professional context.

FINALISTS: Jessica Wells, Mindy Meng Wang, Aviva Endean

Studio Production Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment.

FINALISTS: Monique Sesto, Sarah Belkner, Sophie Edwards

Live Creative Production Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse person working in a live production environment making significant impact in their field; includes but is not limited to roles such as Live Sound, Lighting & Visual Design, Set Design, Show Producer etc.

FINALISTS: Kearna Sweeney, Carly Griffen, Sarah Ponturo

Live Production Touring Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse person working in a live production or touring environment making significant impact in their field: Includes Tour/Operations/Promotions Management, Tour Assistant, Backstage, Roadcrew, and other related support roles.

FINALISTS: Robyn Jelleff, Mahalia Swinfield, Katy Richards

Music Leadership Award

APRA AMCOS Songwriter Award

Recognises an outstanding female or gender diverse songwriter or composer whose work demonstrates exceptional creative voice, craft, and impact. This award recognises excellence relative to opportunity, career stage, and professional context.

FINALISTS: Babyshakes Dillon, Grace Woodroofe, 

Emerging Artist Award

Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female or gender-diverse artist between the ages of 18-25 inclusive.

FINALISTS: Paulina, Lottie McLeod, Steph Strings

Music Photographer Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse music photographer currently working in the field and to acknowledge their portfolio of work.

FINALISTS: Giulia McGauran, Simone Gorman-Clark, Jordy Pannowitz

Filmmaker Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse music videographer, clip-maker, filmmaker, or music animator currently working in the field and to acknowledge their body of work.

FINALISTS: Emma Franz, Phoebe Faye

Music Journalist Award

Recognises a female or gender-diverse music journalist, blogger or editor who has made a creative contribution and courageous impact in truth telling and innovative reporting in the Australian Music Industry.

FINALISTS: Clare Neal, Heather Anderson, Megan Burslem

2026 Finalists Media Release