Thom Yorke and Sam Fender were among the biggest winners at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards, as the songwriting ceremony celebrated its 71st year in London.
Held at Grosvenor House on 21 May 2026, the event honoured outstanding songwriting and screen composition across 14 categories, with 16 songwriters and composers receiving awards.
The night also marked a major milestone for Elton John, who was announced as the first-ever President of The Ivors Academy and received a special honour recognising his support for creators’ rights.
Sam Fender named Songwriter Of The Year
Fender collected the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award after another huge year for the North Shields artist, whose albums People Watching and Seventeen Going Under have cemented his reputation as one of Britain’s leading modern storytellers.
The award was presented by Elton John during a surprise appearance at the ceremony.
Officials from The Ivors Academy praised Fender for his “sharp social commentary and emotionally honest songwriting”.
Thom Yorke receives highest Ivors honour
Yorke was awarded the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, the organisation’s highest honour, recognising his influence on alternative and experimental music through his work with Radiohead and beyond.
A posthumous Fellowship was also awarded to George Michael, exactly 10 years after his death. The honour was accepted by his former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley.
The ceremony later featured a tribute performance of Careless Whisper by Skye Newman.
Jacob Alon and Rosalía among double winners
Jacob Alon enjoyed one of the night’s biggest breakthroughs, winning both the Rising Star Award and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for Don’t Fall Asleep.
Meanwhile, ROSALÍA was named International Songwriter of the Year following the success of her album Lux.
During her acceptance speech, Rosalía spoke about inequality in the music industry and the barriers facing underrepresented writers.
“There are countless outstanding writers which will not be recognised as they deserve because they aren’t middle-class white Europeans, whose upbringing has been sufficiently stable for them to turn a hint of talent into a successful career.”
Lily Allen, Kano and Calvin Harris honoured
Lily Allen received the Outstanding Song Collection award, recognising a catalogue that includes hits such as Smile, LDN and The Fear.
Kano collected the Visionary Award, presented by Dave, while Calvin Harris received the PRS for Music Icon Award.
Veteran songwriter Linda Perry was honoured with the Special International Award.
Full list of major winners at the Ivor Novello Awards 2026
- Best Album: Euro-Country by CMAT
- Best Contemporary Song: I Stand On The Line by Kae Tempest
- Best Song Musically and Lyrically: Don’t Fall Asleep by Jacob Alon
- PRS for Music Most Performed Work: Messy by Lola Young
- Rising Star Award: Jacob Alon
- Outstanding Song Collection: Lily Allen
- Visionary Award: Kano
- Songwriter of the Year: Sam Fender
- Best Original Film Score: Testimony by Tom Hodge
- Best Television Soundtrack: Trespasses by David Holmes and Brian Irvine
- PRS for Music Icon Award: Calvin Harris
- Special International Award: Linda Perry
- International Songwriter of the Year: ROSALÍA
- Academy Fellowship: George Michael and Thom Yorke
The ceremony closed with stripped-back performances from Thom Yorke and Jacob Alon.
