“We are broadening recognition to reflect the full breadth of contemporary composition,” says Ivor Academy CEO
The Ivors Academy is introducing a new ceremony to spotlight composers, including those working in the games sector.
The Ivors Composer Awards will recognise music contributions from video games alongside film, television, live performance, and commercial recordings by British, Irish, or UK resident composers.
Artists can submit eligible works for the 2026 awards starting June 1. Winners will receive an Ivor Novello Award.
Video games have long been recognised by The Ivors Academy, with Killzone 2 winning the inaugural accolade of the category when it was introduced at the Ivor Novello Awards in 2010.
Since then, games including Horizon Zero Dawn, Sea of Thieves, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, and Farewell North have been recognised.
“Creating a new Ivor Novello Awards ceremony dedicated to composers is the culmination of 71 years of championing compositional excellence,” said Ivors Academy CEO Robert Neri.
“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.”
Neri continued: “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.”
The Ivor Composer Awards will be held at Grosvenor House in London on November 17, 2026.
The ceremony is part of The Ivors Composer Week, taking place between November 16 and 20.
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