Academy of Country Music Announces 19th ACM Honors, Honoring Legends and Contemporary Stars

Nashville’s most anticipated night of country music is slated for Wednesday, August 19, when the Academy of Country Music (ACM) will host its 19th ACM Honors ceremony at The Pinnacle. The event will shine a spotlight on a wide spectrum of contributors—from historic songwriters to today’s chart‑topping performers—and will be co‑anchored by Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum.

The lineup includes 12 special honorees: Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, the Paramount+ series Landman, Leslie Fram, Mike Curb, and Scott Zolke. In addition, Ella Langley and Jessie Jo Dillon, who took home Artist‑Songwriter of the Year and Songwriter of the Year awards respectively, will be honored during the ceremony.

Ticket sales open on Wednesday, June 24. ACM A‑List subscribers and ACM members can access presale tickets at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, while general‑public tickets go on sale at the same time on Friday, June 26 through AXS.

Pearce, a six‑time ACM Award winner, has led the event for six consecutive years, and McCollum—an ACM Award winner three times—will co‑host for the first time. The pairing reflects the ACM’s tradition of bringing together seasoned veterans and rising stars.

Special awards will recognize individuals and entities that have shaped country music in distinct ways:

- Poet’s Award – Brett James and The Carter Family will be honored posthumously. James, who died in September 2025, had 79 entries on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and co‑wrote Carrie Underwood’s Grammy‑winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” The Carter Family, pioneers from the 1927 Bristol Sessions, were the first group to record commercially produced country music. - International Award – C2C: Country to Country, Europe’s largest country festival, will receive the award for expanding the genre’s global reach. The festival’s 2026 lineup included Brooks & Dunn, Zach Top, and Keith Urban. - Film Award – The Paramount+ series Landman, created by Taylor Sheridan, will be honored for its prominent use of country and Americana music. The show’s soundtrack features artists such as George Strait, Tyler Childers, and Parker McCollum. - Icon Award – Bill Anderson and Mike Curb will each receive the Icon Award. Anderson, known as “Whisperin’ Bill,” has written hits for Ray Price, George Strait, and others, and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Curb, founder of Curb Records, has produced and written for a wide range of country stars and served as a California lieutenant governor. - Spirit Award – Kacey Musgraves will be honored for her storytelling and musical innovation. Her 2025 album Middle of Nowhere debuted at number one on the Top Album Chart. - Service Award – Scott Zolke, a prominent entertainment attorney, will receive the award for his long‑standing service to the ACM, including securing a multi‑year renewal of the ACM Awards’ livestream on Amazon Prime Video. - Lifting Lives Award – Eric Church will be recognized for his charitable work, particularly the Chief Cares foundation and disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. - Lift Every Voice Award – Leslie Fram will be honored for her advocacy for underrepresented voices in country music, including initiatives such as CMT’s Next Women of Country and Equal Play.

The ACM also announced that additional award recipients, including winners of the ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award, will be announced during the ceremony.

The 19th ACM Honors follows the organization’s 2026 ACM Awards, which will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. The Honors event, often referred to as the “Country Music Industry’s Favorite Night,” is a key industry gathering that celebrates both historical and contemporary contributions to the genre.

With tickets now available for presale and general sale, the full list of honorees and award categories has been released. The event is expected to draw industry leaders, performers, and fans alike, underscoring the ACM’s role in recognizing the breadth of talent that defines country music.