Stormzy, James Blake, Annie Mac and more announced as Ivor Academy Honours 2026

Stormzy, James Blake, Annie Macmanus, MNEK, Emily Eavis, Chris Meehan, and Victor Finn were honoured last night at the 2026 Ivor Academy Honours.

The ceremony recognises musicians and executives that advocate for higher standards across the music industry. Their leadership and innovation ensures a better future for songwriters and composers.

Stormzy received an Honour that acknowledges his contributions to British music and culture, along with the opportunities he has created for others. He has used his success to support access to education and invest in emerging artists. For example, creating his label Merky Records in 2015, and creating a scholarship fund for black Cambridge students in 2018.

While accepting the award Stormzy said:

"Thank you to the Ivors for this award, I am super grateful. I am in a room with people who inspire me, and people who I’m still so honoured to be around, and I’m so very very blessed that I get to call music my job."

James Blake received an award for his advocacy for songwriters and artists. He is known for releasing music independently, and using the platform Indify, his project deals are structured in a way that he can retain the ownership of his master recordings. He has inspired other musicians to look at releasing music independently, as it gives them more freedom, and better financial security.

DJ and broadcaster Annie Macmanus received an Honour for her role in bringing new music to a wider audience. Over the years, Macmanus has consistently championed rising artists. She began Annie Mac Presents in 2021, which coordinates live events and albums.

MNEK was presented with an Honour for his contribution as a songwriter and producer, as well as his advocacy work for LGBTQIA+ artists. He has created opportunities for queer musicians through his annual songwriting camp, Proud Sound.

The songwriter emphasised his love of music in his speech:

"[Music] is the thing that gives me the most confidence in myself, and it's the thing that I feel most confident doing. So, to be recognised for it is very cool."

Victor Finn, CEO of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) received an award that acknowledges his enduring committment to ensure that musicians are protected and fairly rewarded. In his leadership role at IMRO, he has strenghthened creator's rights, and has championed more robust copyright protections.

After working with IMRO for almost two decades, Finn has increased membership from 7,500 to more than 35,00 people across Ireland. The organisation has also created an integrated licensing framework in Ireland that includes both reproduction and sound-recording rights.

DJ and broadcaster Annie Macmanus received an Honour for her role in bringing new music to a wider audience. Over the years, Macmanus has consistently championed rising artists. She began Annie Mac Presents in 2021, which coordinates live events and albums.

Glastonbury organsier Emily Eavis was honoured at the event for her role in uplifting new acts, and her overall contributions to music and culture.

"This means a lot to me because Glastonbury is about showcasing talent; so many artists have come through, from Adele to Stormzy," she said in her speech.

CEO of Sentric Music, Chris Meehan, was presented with an award for nearly two decades of making music publishing more accessible and transparent for songwriters. He has helped songwriters better understand their rights, allowing them to build sustainable careers.

The Ivors Academy Honours recognise creators and music industry figures who have gone beyond their own careers to make a lasting difference to songwriters and composers. Past recipients include RAYE and Kae Tempest.