The organisers of the Ivor Novello Awards have announced a new ceremony to recognise film, TV and video game composers.
The Ivors Composer Awards will take place at London’s Grosvenor House on November 17, 2026. The ceremony will celebrate music created by British and Irish composers for a variety of different mediums including documentary, TV, film and video game soundtracks.
According to a press release, categories will also recognise “compositional excellence” across live performances, commercial recordings and community engagement.
“Creating a new Ivor Novello Awards ceremony dedicated to composers is the culmination of 71 years of championing compositional excellence. Since 1956, we have honoured the most remarkable composers, and we are building on that legacy with a new, elevated moment to honour their craft,” said Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, in a statement.
“We are broadening recognition to reflect the full breadth of contemporary composition. More original music will be eligible, including works heard by audiences for the first time across a wide range of forms and contexts, from stage to screen, games, streaming, radio, festivals, in communities and beyond. This is about giving composers the recognition they richly deserve by creating a new annual celebration of composition and its impact.”
Composers will be able to submit eligible works for the 2026 Ivors Composer Awards from June 1.
The Ivor Novello Awards were established in 1956 to reward Britain and Ireland’s songwriting and composing talent. At last year’s ceremony, Charli XCX was named Songwriter Of The Year, Berwyn won Best Album for ‘Who Am I’, Lola Young received the Rising Star Award, while Self Esteem took home the Visionary Award. Other winners included Orla Gartland (Best Song Musically And Lyrically), Sans Soucis (Best Contemporary Song), Robbie Williams (Music Icon), and The Killers‘ Brandon Flowers (Special International Award).
The 71st Ivor Novello Awards will take place next month (May 21) with Wolf Alice, Lily Allen, Olivia Dean and CMAT among the 61 artists and writers nominated.
