Hardy and Yellowstone also being recognized
The Academy of Country Music has announced Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton as the recipients of the Special Awards for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Honorees will be celebrated during the 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors, frequently described as the “Country music industry’s favorite night,” during an unforgettable evening of live music and tributes. The event will take place Wednesday, August 24th at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. City National Bank is the presenting partner of the evening. Performers, host, and ticket on-sale information will be announced in the coming weeks.
“ACM Honors is truly a special and unique night as the entire Country Music community comes together to celebrate the achievements of artists, musicians, and industry executives that have made a positive impact on the industry during the prior year or over their careers,” states Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “Being the 15th anniversary of this event also makes it a night to remember some of the Academy’s pioneers who originally inspired these honors.”
Additionally, previously announced Songwriter of the Year winner Hardy, as well as Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at ACM Honors. Examples of categories from Studio Recording and Industry Awards include Audio Engineer of the Year, Bass Player of the Year, Casino of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Electric Guitar Player of the Year, Fair/Rodeo of the Year, Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year, Producer of the Year, Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year, and Theater of the Year.
Miranda Lambert will receive the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following her first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Lambert qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM Top New Female Vocalist, ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout her career, an honor only seven other artists have been awarded.
Previous recipients of the ACM Triple Crown Award include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard, Barbara Mandrell, and Carrie Underwood.
Morgan Wallen has been chosen as the recipient of the ACM Milestone Award, honoring the contributions of Gene Weed, who directed and produced the ACM Awards for more than 30 years. This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of Country Music during the preceding calendar year.
Past recipients of the ACM Milestone Award include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Merle Haggard, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.
Chris Stapleton has been chosen for the ACM Spirit Award, honoring the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career, including the Triple Crown Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of Country Music legend Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs, and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.
Previous recipients of the ACM Spirit Award include Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Toby Keith, and Miranda Lambert.
Sonny Throckmorton and Shania Twain have each been chosen as recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a Country Music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of Country Music.
Previous recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Dean Dillon, Kye Fleming, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Billy Joe Shaver, Shel Silverstein, Cindy Walker, and Hank Williams, among others.
Yellowstone has been chosen to receive the ACM Film Award, honoring the contributions of Tex Ritter, who was known for both his acting career and Country Music career. This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series, or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.
Past recipients of the ACM Film Award include A Star Is Born, Beer For My Horses, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Ken Burns’s Country Music, Country Strong, Crazy Heart, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, Nashville, O Brother, Where Art Thou, Sweet Dreams, and Walk the Line, among others.
As previously announced, Hardy was awarded the 57th ACM Songwriter of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual known predominately as a songwriter, selected by a professional panel of judges composed of songwriters, publishers, producers, and performing rights organization (PRO) representatives. The Panel submits five nominees, at which time ACM members in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Songwriter, Music Publisher/PRO and Record Company categories vote for the winner. This is Hardy’s first ACM Songwriter of the Year Award.
Past recipients of the ACM Songwriter of the Year Award include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, and Roger Miller.
