Awards Process

Awards are retrospective (awarded in one year for work/artistic output in the preceding year). For the 2024 awards, applications will be accepted from Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025.

1. Applications for awards (two and half month period, from Nov 15 of award year through Jan 31 of ceremony year)
   • All professional members of the Academy are eligible to apply.
   • Applications will be submitted online, and will include all relevant information for consideration, such as publication information for a book; video footage, photographs, music, and testimonials for male/female vocalist & duo/group awards; audio files for song and recording of the year; photographs of artworks, saddles, and other items; etc.
   • There is no application fee for an award.
2. Nominations for awards (two and half month period, from Feb 1 through April 15 of ceremony year)
   • Each Academy member (professional, associate, and fan) can nominate one of the award applicants in each category. Academy members may review the relevant information provided by the applicant before nominating.
   • All nominations will be submitted online.
3. Voting by peers (one month period, from Apr 16-May 15 of ceremony year)
   • Current professional members of the Academy will vote on all awards in their own category, with one vote per award.
   • Voting will take place via online login.
   • Voters will have access to all information submitted for consideration.
   • We reserve the right to withhold an award in any category where the quality or number of entries does not meet the Academy's standards.
   • Five finalists for each award will be announced on May 16 of the ceremony year. Winners will be announced at the relevant awards ceremony to be held later in the year.
4. Winners will be chosen from the five finalists by a blind jury and announced at one of the three awards shows in late spring and early fall.