Special Awards
The Academy of Country Music® Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years where the board feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Industry Awards, Special Awards and Studio Recording Awards are presented to recipients at ACM Honors, a special event held annually in the fall at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Click here to view the complete Special Awards & Criteria ListTriple Crown
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.
Miranda Lambert
Icon Award
This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.
Connie Bradley
ACM Lifting Lives Award
This award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Dwight Wiles
Paul Barnabee
ACM Service Award
This award is presented to an outstanding Country Music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.
Duane Clark
ACM Spirit 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.
Chris Stapleton
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.
Shania Twain
Sonny Throckmorton
ACM Film Award
This award recognizes an outstanding television movie, series, or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features Country Music.
Yellowstone
ACM Songwriter of the Year
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.
