The awards are presented at two annual ceremonies known as The Ivors[3] and The Ivors Composer Awards.[4]
The Ivors take place each May and, as of 2020, are sponsored by Apple Music.[5] They are recognised worldwide as the major platform for recognising and rewarding Britain and Ireland's songwriting and composing talents.[2] The Ivors remain the only award ceremony in the musical calendar that is not influenced by publishers and record companies, but judged and presented by the writing community.
The Ivors Composer Awards take place each December and are sponsored by PRS for Music.[6] They are broadcast by BBC Radio 3.[7]
The award itself is a solid bronze sculpture of Euterpe, the muse of lyric poetry.[2] It was designed in 1955 by Hazel Underwood.
Best Original Music for a Television/Radio Broadcast
Special Award for Songwriting
Trivia
In 1964, John Lennon and Paul McCartney received four nominations for Ivors, including two nominations in the same category (as writers of both of the two songs competing for Highest British Sales of 1963), and were also given a Special Award for Outstanding Services to British Music.[8]
In 1976, 10cc musicians Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart achieved three awards for writing "I'm Not in Love" when it won them the Ivors for Most Performed British Work, for Best Pop Song, and for International Hit of the Year.[11]
In 2008, Amy Winehouse received three nominations for Ivors, including two nominations in the same category (for Best Song Musically & Lyrically).[12][13]
