Stormzy, James Blake and Emily Eavis were among the recipients at 2026 The Ivors Academy Honours ceremony in London on Thursday (Oct. 1).
Presented at the capital’s Intercontinental London Park Lane, the ceremony honors creatives and executives whose advocacy and leadership shape “a better future for songwriters and composers,” per The Ivors Academy.
The Ivors Academy Honours launched in 2025 with RAYE and Jon Platt, Sony Music Publishing CEO, among the recipients. The Ivors, a leading U.K. association for songwriters and composers, also hosts a regular awards ceremony; at 2026’s ceremony in May, Elton John, Harry Styles, Thom Yorke and Rosalía were among the attendees.
Blake was recognized for his work in demystifying songwriting and distribution deals. “I believe that transparency will unlock the limitless potential that is currently being left on the table,” Blake said in his acceptance speech. “We do something that is meaningful, and I believe it is on those of us lucky enough to have a foot in the door to fight for the musicians that follow.”
Glastonbury Festival boss Eavis was saluted for creating a space for emerging songwriters to be heard on the biggest stages. “This means a lot to me because Glastonbury is about showcasing talent; so many artists have come through, from Adele to Stormzy,” she said. “It’s such a celebration of these incredible artists, particularly British artists. It’s very special to receive this from you guys who are at the forefront fighting for artists, so thank you.”
MNEK, who recently released his second solo studio album BULLDOZER!! and has worked with PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson as a songwriter, said during his acceptance speech, “I love making music, it’s what I’m on this planet to do. [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. Thank you to the Ivors Academy for making me, the songwriter, the star tonight.”
Stormzy was presented his honor by Shani Gonzales, managing director of Warner Chappell Music U.K. and head of international A&R, with the former saying that “I’m so very very blessed that I get to call music my job.”
Elsewhere radio DJ and podcast host Annie Macmanus was lauded for her work as a curator and champion of new music. Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO, Ireland’s music rights collecting society, and Sentric CEO Chris Meehan also received plaudits on the night. The seven recipients join Elton John, who received his Ivors Academy Honour at the Ivor Novello Awards in May 2026.
This story originally appeared on Billboard
