The awards recognise the creators and executives setting higher standards across the sector, and whose advocacy, leadership and innovation are shaping a better future for songwriters and composers.
James Blake, celebrated singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, was honoured for his exceptional artistry and advocacy for songwriters and artists. Widely respected for his independent approach, Blake has become one of the clearest voices in debates around fairness, ownership and remuneration, bringing greater attention to how music is distributed and valued while ensuring creators are represented in the conversations shaping the industry. The Honour was presented by CEO of The Ivors Academy Lord Neri and Chair Tom Gray.
Emily Eavis, Glastonbury Festival organiser, was recognised for her impact on music and culture, and her commitment to championing emerging talent. Through the festival, she has created opportunities for songwriters across a variety of genres and backgrounds to connect with audiences on an extraordinary scale, consistently placing new and developing artists alongside globally-recognised acts. Eavis’ Honour was presented by Elbow frontman Guy Garvey.
CEO of IMRO, Ireland’s music rights collecting society, Victor Finn, received an Honour for his longstanding support of Irish songwriters and composers. Since taking the helm in 2008, he has strengthened creators’ rights, revenues and representation, while growing IMRO to more than 30,000 members. Finn also played a key role in The Ivors Academy’s launch in Ireland, its first formal presence outside the UK in more than 80 years. He retires from IMRO at the end of 2026 after almost two decades of leadership. Victor received the Honour from Paul Clements, CEO of the Music Publishers Association.
Broadcaster, DJ, curator and writer Annie Macmanus received an Honour for her role shaping music culture and bringing new music to wider audiences. Across 17 years at BBC Radio 1, she became one of the defining voices in music discovery, helping artists and producers reach new audiences and giving emerging talent a platform at crucial stages in their careers. Since leaving Radio 1 in 2021, she has continued that commitment through AMP (Annie Mac Presents), spanning live events, albums and programming. Macmanus received the Honour from her long-time co-host Nick Grimshaw.
CEO of Publishing, Believe, Chris Meehan, was honoured for nearly two decades spent making music publishing more accessible, transparent and fair for songwriters. Through the businesses he helped build, Meehan has widened access to publishing and royalty collection, helping songwriters better understand their rights, realise the value of their work and build sustainable careers. Peter McCamley, VP of Publishing at Believe Music Publishing presented the Honour.
MNEK was recognised for his contribution as a songwriter, producer and artist, alongside his advocacy for LGBTQIA+ songwriters and artists. A sought-after writer and producer whose work has contributed to the careers and music of artists around the world, MNEK has also created new opportunities for queer talent through annual songwriting camp Proud Sound. As a collaborator, mentor and advocate, MNEK has consistently used his experience and influence to champion emerging talent, build community and make space for others. MNEK’s frequent collaborator, Becky Hill, presented his Honour.
Stormzy received an Honour recognising his impact on British music and culture and his commitment to creating opportunities for others. His music has resonated with audiences around the world and he has used his success to support access to education, to invest in emerging talent, and to broaden pathways into industries and institutions that have not always reflected the diversity of modern Britain. Shani Gonzales, Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music UK and Head of International A&R presented the Honour on stage.
The seven recipients join Elton John, who received an Ivors Academy Honour at The 71st Ivor Novello Awards in May 2026, in recognition of his outstanding work championing songwriters, composers and creativity across the industry. His Honour recognised his longstanding advocacy for creators’ rights, including his work around AI and the protection of human creativity. At the ceremony, The Ivors Academy also announced Elton John as its first-ever President.
19-year-old singer-songwriter, Mulaa Joans, performed her hit record, “Birthday Girl” as part of the evening’s celebrations. With over 70m streams and rapid social media growth, Joans has quickly captured attention with the depth of her storytelling and a voice that feels both timeless and of the moment.
Lord Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “Congratulations to all of our honourees. We are proud to honour your achievements and how you’re making a positive difference to music and its creators. From establishing inclusive spaces and opening up the world’s biggest stages, to championing new music, meeting ambition with opportunity and getting creators the money they’re due, each of you shows what can happen when we lift each other up.”
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: “Tonight is a moment to appreciate the people putting in the hard graft to make music a better place – supporting songwriters and composers, tackling inequality and exclusion, championing diverse voices and making sure creators get a fair deal. These are people who show up, see what’s wrong and have the resolve to do something about it. They use their position to make things better for others. And that deserves to be recognised.”
The Ivors Academy Honours recognise creators and music industry figures who have gone beyond their own careers to make a lasting difference to songwriters and composers. They continue the legacy of the Academy’s Gold Badge Awards, first presented in 1974, which recognised individuals who made an outstanding contribution to the UK’s music industry.
Previous honourees include RAYE, Kae Tempest, Sir Richard Branson, Jon Platt, Kanya King and Carla Marie Williams.
The Ivors Academy Honours 2026 are supported by Believe Music Publishing, IMRO, MCPS, Meta, PPL, PRS for Music, SESAC Performing Rights, TikTok and YouTube Music.
