Awards: Honoring Professional Excellence

The Academy of Western Artists has presented awards since 1996 honoring performers and artisans. Book awards were added in 2014.

Our awards are retrospective (awarded in one year for work/artistic output in the preceding year). We will present as many as 71 awards for 2025 in 7 categories at our public awards shows in November, 2026 in Fort Worth. The public is invited to attend our awards shows. Learn more about the awards process and awards policies.

WESTERN/COWBOY MUSIC & POETRY

• Western/Cowboy Male Vocalist
  For individual musical performance on a solo single or album release, in live performances, and an overall contribution to Western/Cowboy music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Female Vocalist
  For individual musical performance on a solo single or album release, in live performances, and an overall contribution to Western/Cowboy music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Duo/Group
  For musical performance as a duo or group on a solo single or album release, in live performances, and an overall contribution to Western/Cowboy music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Song
  For artistic achievement in songwriting (original words and music) for a song released in the award year in the Western/Cowboy genre. Goes to the songwriter(s). Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application plus digital files with lyrics, music, and the track as released.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Single
  For individual Western/Cowboy tracks released in the award year in either physical or digital form. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital file.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy EP
  For a release of 2-5 tracks in the Western/Cowboy genre issued for sale or streaming as a whole unit for the first time during the award year. At least 50% of the total recordings on the EP must have been released for the first time during the award year or the immediately preceding year. Greatest hits albums or compilation albums consisting of previously released recordings are not eligible for this award. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital files.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Album
  For an album in the Western/Cowboy genre issued for sale or streaming as a whole unit for the first time during the award year. To qualify as an album, a release must contain at least 6 different songs and have a total playing time of at least 25 minutes. At least 50% of the total recordings on the album must have been released for the first time during the award year or the immediately preceding year. Greatest hits albums or compilation albums consisting of previously released recordings are not eligible for this award. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital files.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Music Video
  For an original music video not more than ten (10) minutes in length featuring the entire singular performance of not more than one (1) song or medley. The video must have been first released in its entirety during the award year. Goes to the artist and director. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application plus either a link to the music video or a digital file.  apply now
• Western/Cowboy Storyteller
  For a performer who tells Western/Cowboy stories in live performances. Entries require a completed application and performance videos.  apply now
• Male Cowboy Poet
  For a performer of spoken word cowboy poetry in live performances. Entries require a completed application and performance videos.  apply now
• Female Cowboy Poet
  For a performer of spoken word cowboy poetry in live performances. Entries require a completed application and performance videos.  apply now

WESTERN SWING MUSIC

• Western Swing Male Vocalist
  For individual musical performance on a solo single or album release, in live performances, and an overall contribution to Western Swing music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western Swing Female Vocalist
  For individual musical performance on a solo single or album release, in live performances, and an overall contribution to Western Swing music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western Swing Duo/Group
  For musical performance as a duo or group on a solo single or album release, in live performances, and an overall contribution to Western Swing music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western Swing Song
  For artistic achievement in songwriting (original words and music) for a song released in the award year in the Western Swing genre. Goes to the songwriter(s). Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application plus digital files with lyrics, music, and the track as released.  apply now
• Western Swing Single
  For individual Western Swing tracks released in the award year in either physical or digital form. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital file.  apply now
• Western Swing EP
  For a release of 2-5 tracks in the Western Swing genre issued for sale or streaming as a whole unit for the first time during the award year. At least 50% of the total recordings on the EP must have been released for the first time during the award year or the immediately preceding year. Greatest hits albums or compilation albums consisting of previously released recordings are not eligible for this award. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital files.  apply now
• Western Swing Album
  For an album in the Western Swing genre issued for sale or streaming as a whole unit for the first time during the award year. To qualify as an album, a release must contain at least 6 different songs and have a total playing time of at least 25 minutes. At least 50% of the total recordings on the album must have been released for the first time during the award year or the immediately preceding year. Greatest hits albums or compilation albums consisting of previously released recordings are not eligible for this award. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital files.  apply now
• Western Swing Music Video
  For an original music video not more than ten (10) minutes in length featuring the entire singular performance of not more than one (1) song or medley. The video must have been first released in its entirety during the award year. Goes to the artist and director. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application plus either a link to the music video or a digital file.  apply now

WESTERN COUNTRY MUSIC

• Western Country Male Vocalist
  For individual musical performance on a solo single or album release, live performances, and an overall contribution to Western Country music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western Country Female Vocalist
  For individual musical performance on a solo single or album release, live performances, and an overall contribution to Western Country music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western Country Duo/Group
  For musical performance as a duo or group on a solo single or album release, live performances, and an overall contribution to Western Country music. Entries require a completed application, audio files, and performance videos.  apply now
• Western Country Song
  For artistic achievement in songwriting (original words and music) for a song released in the award year in the Western Country genre. Goes to the songwriter(s). Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application plus digital files with lyrics, music, and the track as released.  apply now
• Western Country Single
  For individual Western Country tracks released in the award year in either physical or digital form. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital file.  apply now
• Western Country EP
  For a release of 2-5 tracks in the Western Country genre issued for sale or streaming as a whole unit for the first time during the award year. At least 50% of the total recordings on the EP must have been released for the first time during the award year or the immediately preceding year. Greatest hits albums or compilation albums consisting of previously released recordings are not eligible for this award. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital files.  apply now
• Western Country Album
  For an album in the Western Country genre issued for sale or streaming as a whole unit for the first time during the award year. To qualify as an album, a release must contain at least 6 different songs and have a total playing time of at least 25 minutes. At least 50% of the total recordings on the album must have been released for the first time during the award year or the immediately preceding year. Greatest hits albums or compilation albums consisting of previously released recordings are not eligible for this award. Goes to the artist, producer, and mix engineer. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application and digital files.  apply now
• Western Country Music Video
  For an original music video not more than ten (10) minutes in length featuring the entire singular performance of not more than one (1) song or medley. Goes to the artist and director. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application plus either a link to the music video or a digital file.  apply now

WESTERN ART

• Artist (Painting)
  For an artist whose paintings include inspiration, images, or themes from the American West, who was creating new work during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus photos of 2-3 paintings created during the award year; finalists will be asked to make one piece of this work available for final judging in person, preferably at the awards show.  apply now
• Artist (Drawing)
  For an artist whose drawings include inspiration, images, or themes from the American West, who was creating new work during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus photos of 3 drawings created during the award year; finalists will be asked to make one piece of this work available for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Cartoonist
  For an artist whose cartoons include inspiration, images, or themes from the American West, who was creating new work during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus photos of 3 cartoons created during the award year.  apply now
• Photographer
  For an artist whose photographs include inspiration, images, or themes from the American West, who was creating new work during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus digital files of 3 photographs taken during the award year.  apply now
• Poster Designer
  For an artist whose poster designs include inspiration, images, or themes from the American West, who was creating new work during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus photos of 2-3 posters created during the award year; finalists will be asked to make printed posters available for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Sculptor
  For an artist whose sculptures include inspiration, images, or themes from the American West, who was creating new work during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus photos of a single sculpture created during the award year; finalists will be asked to make this piece available for final judging in person, preferably at the awards show.  apply now
• Saddlemaker
  For an artisan who created one or more saddles during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of a single saddle created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring the saddle for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Braider
  For an artisan who created braided leatherwork during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pieces created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Leather Tooling/Carving Artisan
  For an artisan who created tooled or carved leatherwork during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pieces created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Boot Maker
  For an artisan who created boots during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pairs of boots created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one pair of boots for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Hatmaker
  For an artisan who created any kind of Western hats during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 hats created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Silversmith
  For an artisan who worked in metal (other than bits or spurs) during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pieces created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Bit Maker
  For an artisan who created bits for horseback riding during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pieces created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Spur Maker
  For an artisan who created spurs for horseback riding during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pieces created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show.  apply now
• Wood Artisan
  For an artisan who worked in wood during the award year. Entries will require a completed application plus photos of 3 pieces created during the award year; finalists will be asked to bring one example of their work for final judging at the awards show. apply now

WESTERN MEDIA

• Cowboy Poem
  For an original poem published in the award year whose inspiration, images, and literary excellence best represent the reality and spirit of the American cowboy. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital files of the poem, the cover of the publication where it was published, and (if relevant) the table of contents showing the poem.  apply now
• Cowboy Poetry Book
  For book-length works (print, eBook, original audiobook) of cowboy poetry first published in the award year. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Short Story
  For works of fewer than 10,000 words published in the award year in magazines, periodicals, and anthologies with their creation dependent in whole or in part on settings, characters, conditions, or customs indigenous to the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital files of the short story, the cover of the publication where it was published, and the table of contents showing the short story.  apply now
• Western Romance
  For an original book-length novel (audiobook, eBook, hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback) published in the award year, set in any time period, that has romance as a key plot/character point while focusing on characters, events, places, or developments in the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Inspirational
  For an original book-length novel (audiobook, eBook, hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback) published in the award year, set in any time period, that has faith or inspiration as a key element while focusing on characters, events, places, or developments in the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Mystery/Thriller
  For an original book-length novel (audiobook, eBook, hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback) published in the award year, set in any time period, that has a mystery or thriller element while focusing on characters, events, places, or developments in the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Young Reader Novel
  For an original book-length novel (print, eBook, original audiobook) published in the award year, the creation of which is dependent in whole or in part on settings, characters, conditions, or customs indigenous to the American West, written especially for young and young adult readers. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Novel
  For any book-length novel (print, eBook, original audiobook) first published in the award year focusing on characters, events, places, or developments in the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Cookbook
  For an original book-length cookbook (audiobook, eBook, hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback) published in the award year promoting some aspect of the foods and cooking styles of the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Humor
  For an original book-length work of humor (audiobook, eBook, hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback) published in the award year in which the humor is rooted in situations, events, places, or developments in the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Biography
  For an original book-length work of biography (audiobook, eBook, hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback) published in the award year featuring a person or persons who lived or worked in the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Short Nonfiction
  For works of fewer than 10,000 words published in the award year in magazines, periodicals, or anthologies about events, persons, places, or developments related to the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital files of the article, the cover of the publication where it was published, and the table of contents showing the article.  apply now
• Western Young Reader Nonfiction
  For an original book-length work (print, eBook, original audiobook) published in the award year, about events, persons, places, or developments related to the American West, written especially for young and young adult readers. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western Nonfiction Book
  For book-length works (print, eBook, original audiobook) published in the award year, including memoirs, focusing primarily on events, persons, places, or developments of the American West. Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, plus digital file or 4 hard copies. If the entry is an audiobook, a copy of the manuscript must be submitted as well.  apply now
• Western TV Drama
  For a multi-episode production that was first released, aired, streamed, or produced for the public in the award year and contains plot, thrust, focus, and voice depicting elements of the American West (past or present). Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, a shooting script, and an industry acceptable format DVD/Flash Drive/Vimeo/YouTube or viewable link of the television program.  apply now
• Western Documentary
  For a nonfiction documentary written for radio, television, motion picture, internet streaming, or as a film or play for a museum/library/etc., that was first released, aired, or produced for the public in the award year and contains plot, thrust, focus, and voice depicting elements of the American West (past or present). Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application; a screenplay, shooting script, or play; and one of the following: an industry acceptable format DVD/Flash Drive/Vimeo/YouTube or viewable link of the documentary, television program or museum/ library/etc. film; an audio recording of the radio program; or a program for the play.  apply now
• Western Feature Film
  For a feature film production that was first released, aired, streamed, or produced for the public in the award year and contains plot, thrust, focus, and voice depicting elements of the American West (past or present). Maximum 3 entries per applicant. Entries require a completed application, a shooting script, and an industry acceptable format DVD/Flash Drive/Vimeo/YouTube or viewable link of the motion picture.  apply now

WESTERN CULTURE INDUSTRY

• Music Producer
  For a music producer working with Academy-affiliated performers or in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country) during the award year. Entries require a completed application.  apply now
• Music Manager
  For a music manager working with Academy-affiliated performers or in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country) during the award year. Entries require a completed application.  apply now
• Music Promoter
  For a music promoter working with Academy-affiliated performers or in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country) during the award year. Entries require a completed application.  apply now
• Publisher
  For a company who published books, ebooks, audiobooks, or magazine articles meeting the criteria for any of the Western Media awards during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus two separate examples of published works. These two published works may be submitted as digital files or in printed form (4 copies each).  apply now
• Recording Studio
  For a recording studio who recorded tracks with Academy-affiliated performers or in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country) during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus two separate examples of recorded works. These two recordings may be submitted as digital files.  apply now
• Event
  For a single-show or multiple-show event featuring multiple artists in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country), or an artistic exhibition featuring multiple Academy-affiliated artists and/or Academy-recognized skills, or both, which took place in the award year. Entries require a completed application and photos.  apply now
• Venue
  For a venue who featured performers in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country), or hosted events featuring Academy-affiliated artists or artisans, during the award year. Entries require a completed application and three photos of performances or events.  apply now
• Podcaster
  For a podcaster highlighting people, themes, issues, events, places, cultural expressions, or developments of the American West. Entries require a completed application, plus three shows submitted as digital files.  apply now
• Videographer
  For a videographer highlighting people, themes, issues, events, places, cultural expressions, or developments of the American West. Entries require a completed application, plus three video samples submitted as digital files.  apply now
• Disc Jockey
  For a disc jockey broadcasting music and/or spoken word poetry from performers in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country) during the award year. Entries require a completed application, plus three audio samples of shows submitted as digital files.  apply now
• Radio Station/Streamer
  For a terrestrial radio station or online streaming channel broadcasting music and/or spoken word poetry from performers in any of the three Academy-affiliated music genres (Western/Cowboy, Western Swing, Western Country) during the award year. Entries require a completed application plus five 30-minute samples of your broadcast or stream submitted as digital files.  apply now

CHUCKWAGON

• Chuckwagon
  For the owner and crew of a chuckwagon that cooks in competitions at gatherings and festivals, based on historical accuracy, completeness (everything needed for cattle drives or ranch use), and the hospitality of the crew. apply now