Date Set For 16th Academy Of Country Music Honors

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The Academy of Country Music Honors celebrates the ACM’s Special Awards, Songwriter of the Year Award, Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award, Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards from the 58th ACM Awards cycle.

The 16th iteration of the ACM Honors will take place on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Ryman Auditorium. It is the 13th time the ceremony has taken place at the beloved Nashville venue.

This year’s winners, host, performers and general event information will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Winners will be chosen in the following categories:

– The ACM Icon Award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader who has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry. Notable winners from the past 16 years include Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, George Strait and Conway Twitty.

– The ACM Milestone Award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader with an outstanding achievement in the genre during the preceding calendar year. Notable winners from the past 16 years include Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Merle Haggard, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen.

– The ACM Lifting Lives Award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music. Notable winners from the past 16 years include Rascal Flatts, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood.

– The ACM International Award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world. Notable winners from the past 16 years include Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift.

– The ACM Lift Every Voice Award recognizes a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of their dedication to fostering, promoting, and increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion both in and beyond the music industry. This award will be presented at the 16th ACM Honors for the first time.

– The ACM Service Award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music. Notable winners from the past 16 years include RAC Clark, Bob Kingsley, Duane Clark, Reba McEntire and Keith Urban.

– The ACM Spirit Award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award Winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. Past winners include Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.

– The ACM Poet’s Award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career. Notable winners from the past 16 years include Bill Anderson, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Hank Williams and Shania Twain.

– The ACM Film Award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music. Notable winners from the past 16 years include Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, Nashville, A Star Is Born, Ken Burns’s Country Music and Yellowstone.

In addition to the Special Awards honorees, the 16th Annual ACM Honors will recognize and celebrate the achievements of this year’s Songwriter of the Year, Ashley Gorley, and the winner of the newly added award category Artist-Songwriter of the Year, Hardy.

The Academy’s Studio Recording Awards recognize the creators behind the music, with categories including Bass Player of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, Piano/Keys Player of the Year, Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year, Electric Guitar Player of the Year, Audio Engineer of the Year and Producer of the Year.

ACM Industry Awards recognize venues and talent buyers/promoters who have bought or promoted a set number of country concerts (number varies based on category), is in good standing with all agents/vendors, and helps promote country music ticket sales. The various categories honored include Casino of the Year – Theater, Casino of the Year – Arena, Fair/Rodeo of the Year, Festival of the Year, Club of the Year, Theater of the Year, Outdoor Venue of the Year, Arena of the Year, Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year and Promoter of the Year.

LB Cantrell
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