The 2026 edition of the Ivor Novello Awards returned to London’s Grosvenor House on May 21 for an evening that celebrated the artistry and cultural impact of songwriting and screen composition.
While the ceremony honoured some of the year’s most acclaimed music creators, the night also became a reflection on legacy, influence and the enduring importance of human creativity in an increasingly fast-moving industry.
Among the evening’s most talked-about moments was Harry Styles presenting Thom Yorke with the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy. In a heartfelt and unexpectedly funny speech, Styles described Yorke as an artist who “has always had a way with words” and said, “I cannot overstate how much his work continues to influence me.”
Reflecting on growing up with Radiohead’s music, he called Yorke’s songwriting “music that is felt” and praised his ability to turn “feelings of anxiety and alienation” into something lasting and transformative.
The ceremony also paid tribute to some of music’s most influential figures. George Michael was posthumously awarded the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, while Elton John was recognised for his long-standing advocacy for songwriters and creative rights before being announced as The Ivors Academy’s first-ever President.
Closing out the night, Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, described the ceremony as “a privilege to celebrate such an extraordinary range of music,” adding that “the future of music is in remarkable hands.”
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, also reflected on the importance of properly crediting songwriters, calling every nomination and award “an act of attribution” that ensures creators are “identified, credited, paid and celebrated.”
Scroll below for the full list of winners from the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards:
Best Album
CMAT – Euro-Country
Best Contemporary Song
Kae Tempest – I Stand On The Line (written by Kae Tempest and Fraser T Smith)
Best Song Musically and Lyrically
Jacob Alon – Don’t Fall Asleep
PRS for Music Most Performed Work
Lola Young – Messy
Rising Star Award
Jacob Alon
Outstanding Song Collection
Lily Allen
Visionary Award
Kano
Songwriter of the Year
Sam Fender
Best Original Film Score
Testimony – composed by Tom Hodge
Best Television Soundtrack
Trespasses – composed by David Holmes and Brian Irvine
PRS for Music Icon Award
Calvin Harris
Special International Award
Linda Perry
International Songwriter of the Year
ROSALÍA
Academy Fellowship
George Michael
Thom Yorke
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