Nominations Open for 2025 AWMAs, #NominateThem Campaign Launches

Nominations have officially opened for the 2025 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs), with organisers urging the industry to spotlight under-recognised talent across all sectors of the music ecosystem.

Now in its sixth year, the AWMAs will return to Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on Thursday, October 9th for its flagship Awards Ceremony, recognising excellence across 19 categories spanning artistry, production, leadership, media, and touring. Submissions are open until May 30th, 2025.

Established in 2018, the AWMAs has grown into a key national platform for recognising and elevating the contributions of women and gender-diverse practitioners, with a strong focus on First Nations and culturally diverse artists, artists with disability, and those working in regional and remote communities.

This year, AWMA introduces the #NominateThem campaign, aimed at encouraging fans, colleagues and industry leaders to nominate individuals who may not self-nominate. According to organisers, many past nominees have been reluctant to put themselves forward due to confidence barriers or lack of visibility.

“Our inaugural AWMA in 2018 paved the way for some of the most important change the industry has ever seen,” said Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon. “We’ve seen increased collaboration, representation and recognition – but there’s still significant work to be done.”

In addition to the awards, AWMA’s 2025 program will again feature its annual conference and the First Nations Women’s Music Showcase, both of which aim to create space for dialogue, connection and cultural exchange.

Newly appointed AWMA Chair Sarah McLeod called the opening of nominations “an exhilarating moment” for the organisation. “We’re looking forward to uncovering and celebrating the extraordinary talent that exists across the Australian music sector,” she said.

Since its inception, the AWMAs has received nearly 2,000 nominations, with past recipients including Jaguar Jonze, Kasey Chambers, Mo’Ju, Alice Ivy, Tana Douglas, Dame Olivia Newton-John, and Ellie Robinson. The full list of 2025 award categories is available on the AWMA website, along with nomination guidelines and campaign materials.

The AWMAs is presented with support from the Queensland Government, Music Australia, and a range of corporate, industry and community partners.

Nominations can be submitted at: womeninmusicawards.com.au/nominate.