Stormzy, James Blake and Emily Eavis Get Ivors Academy Honours

Article

Stormzy , James Blake and Glastonbury's Emily Eavis are among seven people recognised at the Ivors Academy Honours 2026, held at the InterContinental London Park Lane. The other honourees were MNEK, broadcaster Annie Macmanus, IMRO chief executive Victor Finn and music publishing executive Chris Meehan. The Academy announced the honours on the night of the ceremony. Why each was honoured Stormzy Stormzy was recognised for his impact on British music and culture and his commitment to creating opportunities for others. The Academy says he has used his success to support access to education, invest in emerging talent and widen pathways into institutions that have not always reflected modern Britain. Shani Gonzales, managing director of Warner Chappell Music UK, presented the honour. NME points to his #Merky initiatives, including #Merky Football Careers, #Merky Books and a scholarship scheme with HSBC that gives ten Cambridge students a year a £20,000 annual scholarship. James Blake Blake was honoured for his artistry and advocacy for songwriters and artists. The Academy calls him "one of the clearest voices in debates around fairness, ownership and remuneration." NME notes that his seventh album, Trying Times, came out in March, his first since going independent. Academy CEO Lord Neri and chair Tom Gray presented his award. Emily Eavis The Glastonbury organiser was recognised for her impact on music and culture and for championing new talent, often placing developing artists alongside global acts. Elbow's Guy Garvey presented her honour. MNEK, Annie Macmanus, Victor Finn and Chris Meehan MNEK was honoured as a songwriter, producer and artist and for his advocacy for LGBTQIA+ creators, including the songwriting camp Proud Sound. Becky Hill presented it. Annie Macmanus was recognised for 17 years at BBC Radio 1 and her AMP (Annie Mac Presents) work. Nick Grimshaw presented her honour. Victor Finn , who has led IMRO since 2008 and grown it to more than 30,000 members, retires at the end of 2026. Chris Meehan was honoured for nearly two decades of making publishing more accessible, transparent and fair. Peter McCamley, VP of Publishing at Believe Music Publishing, presented his honour, according to the Academy. Key facts Event: The Ivors Academy Honours 2026 Venue: InterContinental London Park Lane Honourees: James Blake, Emily Eavis, Victor Finn, Annie Macmanus, Chris Meehan, MNEK, Stormzy Performer: Mulaa Joans ("Birthday Girl") Earlier 2026 honour: Elton John, at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards in May What the Academy said "Congratulations to all of our honourees," said Lord Neri. "From establishing inclusive spaces and opening up the world's biggest stages, to championing new music, meeting ambition with opportunity and getting creators the money they're due, each of you shows what can happen when we lift each other up." Tom Gray added: "These are people who show up, see what's wrong and have the resolve to do something about it." The seven join Elton John, who received an honour at the 71st Ivor Novello Awards in May and was named the Academy's first president. Nineteen-year-old Mulaa Joans performed "Birthday Girl" on the night. A long tradition The Honours continue the legacy of the Academy's Gold Badge Awards, first given in 1974. Past honourees include RAYE , Kae Tempest, Sir Richard Branson, Jon Platt, Kanya King and Carla Marie Williams. From Gold Badges to Honours The Academy says the Honours recognise creators and industry figures who have gone beyond their own careers to make a lasting difference to songwriters and composers. They continue the legacy of its Gold Badge Awards, first presented in 1974. Previous honourees include RAYE , Kae Tempest, Sir Richard Branson, Jon Platt, Kanya King and Carla Marie Williams. Finn also played a key role in launching the Academy in Ireland, its first formal presence outside the UK in more than 80 years. Annie Macmanus left Radio 1 in 2021. The 19-year-old performer Mulaa Joans has more than 70 million streams, the Academy notes. This year's Honours were supported by Believe Music Publishing, IMRO, MCPS, Meta, PPL, PRS for Music, SESAC Performing Rights, TikTok and YouTube Music. What's next Several honourees remain busy beyond the ceremony: Finn retires from IMRO at the end of 2026, and NME reports that MNEK is preparing his first album in eight years. Follow our awards coverage and more UK music news. Sources: The Ivors Academy | NME