This comes as entries open for six categories at The Ivors 2021 to recognise works written by British and Irish songwriters and composers – Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score and Best Television Soundtrack.
Entries are open until 30th April. Anyone can enter a work, including the songwriter or composer. To be eligible, works must have a British or Irish writing contribution of at least 33.3% and have been commercially released in the UK for the first time between 1st January 2020 and 31st March 2021.
Find out more about The Ivors with Apple Music. To enter and for the eligibility criteria, rules and guidelines visit our award entry site.
Graham Davies, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said:
“An Ivor Novello Award is a celebration of artistry and creativity in songwriting and composing. We want to consider the very best works and be open to the most outstanding talent in the UK and Ireland, so it’s time to remove the chart requirements from our song and album categories. This change is part of a range of actions we are taking to increase diversity and inclusion across our awards.”
The Academy has guidelines to improve access to its awards and remove barriers to entry, which include providing bursaries to music creators in need of financial assistance to join the Academy and enter an award, transparency through published rules and criteria, and support through the application process.
The Ivors Academy has announced that the 66th presentation of Ivor Novello Awards at The Ivors with Apple Music will take place on Tuesday 21st September, with plans to hold the annual awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London.
Recognised as a pinnacle of achievement since they were first presented in 1956, The Ivors Academy presents Ivor Novello Awards for exceptional songwriting and composing. The awards are particularly important to the music industry as they represent peer recognition.
2021 Dates
Monday 22nd March
Entries open for Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Best Television Soundtrack
Friday 26th March
Entries close for the Rising Star Award with Apple Music
Friday 30th April
Entries close for Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Best Television Soundtrack
Tuesday 27th July
Nominees announced for Rising Star Award with Apple Music
Tuesday 10th August
Nominations announced for Best Album, Best Contemporary Song, Best Original Film Score, Best Original Video Game Score, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Best Television Soundtrack
Tuesday 21st September
Winners announced. Ceremony planned to take place at Grosvenor House, London