Q Awards
The Q Awards were the UK's annual music awards run by the music magazine Q. Since they began in 1990, the Q Awards became one of Britain's biggest and best publicised music awards. Locations for the awards ceremony included Abbey Road Studios and, more recently, The Park Lane Ballroom.
One of the more notable events of the awards was the ceremony of 2004, at which Elton John accused Madonna of cheating fans by miming on stage, after she had been nominated for a Best Live Act award. The 2001 event, was somewhat notoriously notable for Phill Jupitus stretching out the time it took to announce the "Best Producer" award, with him exclaiming "Best Producer?.... 'Would you like a cowbell in that?'", before being told off camera to get on with announcing the winner.
The Q Awards included many awards recognising a lifetime of achievement, rather than achievements over the year in question. In its last few years, the 'lifetime' awards have usually outnumbered the 'current' awards.
The awards came to an end when the magazine itself ceased publishing in 2020, blaming the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
2019
The winners of 2019 Q Awards are:- Innovation In Sound: Dizzie Rascal
- Classic Album: Tricky – Maxinquaye
- Maverick Award: Edwyn Collins
- Play Award: Anna Calvi
- Outstanding Contribution To Music: Kano
- Classic Songwriter: Kevin Rowland
- Inspiration Award: Madness
- Icon Award: Christine And The Queens
- Hero Award: Kim Gordon
- Song Of The Decade: Lana Del Rey – "Video Games"
- Best Vocal Performance: Little Simz
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | The 1975 | |
| Best Breakthrough Act | Pale Waves | |
| Best Live Performance | Michael Kiwanuka – End of the Road Festival | |
| Best Solo Act | Stormzy | |
| Best Track | Lewis Capaldi — "Someone You Loved" | |
| Best Festival/Event | All Points East | |
| Best Album | Foals — ''Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1 |
2018
The winners of 2018 Q Awards are:- Innovation In Sound: The Streets
- Classic Album: The Kinks - The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society
- Maverick Award: Lawrence
- Play Award: Simon Neil
- Outstanding Contribution To Music: Noel Gallagher
- Legend Award: Nile Rodgers
- Inspiration Award: Trojan Records
- Icon Award: Ian McCulloch
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Brett Anderson
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Paul Weller | |
| Best Breakthrough Act | Goat Girl & Idles | |
| Best Live Act | Taylor Swift | |
| Best Solo Artist | Noel Gallagher | |
| Best Track | Underworld and Iggy Pop — "Bells & Circles" | |
| Best Album | Let's Eat Grandma — ''I'm All Ears |
2017
The winners of 2017 Q Awards are:- Icon Award: Liam Gallagher
- Innovation in Sound: Wiley
- Gibson Les Paul Award: Kelley Deal
- Inspiration Award: Manic Street Preachers
- Maverick Award: Viv Albertine
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Ed Sheeran | |
| Best Breakthrough Act | Rag'n'Bone Man | |
| Best Live Act | Liam Gallagher | |
| Best Solo Artist | Stormzy | |
| Best Track | Kasabian — "You're in Love with a Psycho" | |
| Best Video | Sleaford Mods — "Bunch of Kunst" | |
| Best Album | Gorillaz — Humanz |
2016
The winners of 2016 Q Awards are:- Hero Award: Meat Loaf
- Classic Album: The Charlatans — Tellin' Stories
- Classic Songwriter: Ray Davies
- Innovation in Sound: M.I.A.
- Gibson Les Paul Award: The Edge
- Outstanding Contribution to Music: Blondie
- Hall of Fame: Madness
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Muse | |
| Best Live Act | U2 | |
| Best Breakthrough Act | Jack Garratt | |
| Best Solo Artist | James Bay | |
| Best Track | Bastille — "Good Grief" | |
| Best Video | PJ Harvey — "The Community of Hope" | |
| Best Album | The 1975 — I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It |
2015
The winners of 2015 Q Awards are:- Hero Award: Mark Ronson
- Classic Song: Queen — "Bohemian Rhapsody"
- Classic Album: Soul II Soul — Club Classics Vol. One
- Innovation in Sound: Gary Numan
- Gibson Les Paul Award: Tony Iommi
- Outstanding Contribution To Music: New Order
- Icon Award: Duran Duran
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Foals | |
| Best Live Act | Royal Blood | |
| Best New Act | James Bay | |
| Best Solo Artist | Ed Sheeran | |
| Best Track | The Libertines — "Gunga Din" | |
| Best Video | Florence and the Machine — "Ship to Wreck" | |
| Best Album | Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds — Chasing Yesterday |
2014
The winners of 2014 Q Awards are:- Classic Album: Pink Floyd — The Dark Side of the Moon
- Maverick Award: St. Vincent
- Classic Songwriter: Andy Partridge
- Gibson Les Paul Award: Johnny Marr
- Innovation In Sound: Jean Michel Jarre
- Inspiration Award: Simple Minds
- Hero Award: The Charlatans
- Icon Award: Wilko Johnson
- Idol Award: Culture Club
- Outstanding Contribution To Music: Richard Russell
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Kasabian | |
| Best Live Act | Kasabian | |
| Best New Act | Sam Smith | |
| Best Solo Artist | Ed Sheeran | |
| Best Track | Paolo Nutini — "Iron Sky" | |
| Best Video | Jamie xx — "Sleep Sound" | |
| Best Album | Elbow — The Take Off and Landing of Everything |
2013
The winners of 2013 Q Awards are:- Classic Album: Happy Mondays — Bummed
- Classic Songwriter: Chrissie Hynde
- Spirit of Independence: Belle and Sebastian
- Poet Laureate: John Cooper Clarke
- Icon Award: Suede
- Idol Award: Robbie Williams
- Outstanding Contribution To Music: Pet Shop Boys
- Best Event: Glastonbury Festival
- * David Bowie at the Victoria and Albert Museum
- * The Killers at the Wembley Stadium & The Garage, London
Battle Born World Tour - * Kraftwerk at the Tate Modern
- * Latitude Festival
- * The Rolling Stones at the Hyde Park, London
50 & Counting
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Vampire Weekend | |
| Best Live Act | Foals | |
| Best New Act | Jake Bugg | |
| Best Solo Artist | Ellie Goulding | |
| Best Track | Arctic Monkeys — "Do I Wanna Know?" | |
| Best Video | Manic Street Preachers — "Show Me the Wonder" | |
| Best Album | Biffy Clyro — Opposites |
2012
The winners of 2012 Q Awards are:- Classic Song: Dionne Warwick — "Walk On By"
- Classic Album: Manic Street Preachers — Generation Terrorists
- Spirit of Independence: The Cribs
- Innovation in Sound: Underworld
- Inspiration Award: Pulp
- Icon Award: Dexys Midnight Runners
- Hero Award: Johnny Marr
- Idol Award: Brandon Flowers
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Muse | |
| Best Live Act | Blur | |
| Best New Act | Django Django | |
| Best Solo Artist | Emeli Sandé | |
| Best Track | Plan B — "Ill Manors" | |
| Best Video | Keane — "Disconnected" | |
| Best Album | Bobby Womack — The Bravest Man in the Universe |
2011
The winners of 2011 Q Awards are:- Next Big Thing: Lana Del Rey
- Classic Song: Snow Patrol — "Chasing Cars"
- Outstanding Contribution to Music: Siouxsie Sioux
- Icon Award: Noel Gallagher
- Innovation in Sound: Kaiser Chiefs
- Inspiration Award: Fat Boy Slim
- Hall of Fame: Queen
- Classic Songwriter: Gary Barlow
- Greatest Act of the Last 25 Years: U2
- * Arcade Fire
- * Arctic Monkeys
- * Beastie Boys
- * Björk
- * Coldplay
- * The Cure
- * Damon Albarn
- * Eminem
- * Green Day
- * Jack White
- * Jay-Z
- * Madonna
- * Manic Street Preachers
- * Metallica
- * Muse
- * Nirvana
- * Oasis
- * Paul Weller
- * The Prodigy
- * Radiohead
- * Red Hot Chili Peppers
- * R.E.M.
- * The Strokes
- * The Stone Roses
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Coldplay | |
| Best Live Act | Biffy Clyro | |
| Best New Act | WU LYF | |
| Best Breakthrough Artist | Ed Sheeran | |
| Best Male Artist | Tinie Tempah | |
| Best Female Artist | Adele | |
| Best Track | Adele — "Rolling in the Deep" | |
| Best Video | Jessie J — "Do It like a Dude" | |
| Best Album | Bon Iver — Bon Iver, Bon Iver |
2010
The winners of 2010 Q Awards are:- Hall of Fame: Take That
- Classic Songwriter: Neil Finn
- Next Big Thing: Clare Maguire
- Idol Award: Madness
- Hero Award: The Chemical Brothers
- Inspiration Award: Suede
- Innovation in Sound: Mark Ronson
- Classic Album: Wings — Band on the Run
- Icon: Bryan Ferry
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Kasabian | |
| Best Live Act | Green Day | |
| Best New Act | Mumford & Sons | |
| Best Breakthrough Artist | Plan B | |
| Best Male Artist | Paolo Nutini | |
| Best Female Artist | Florence and the Machine | |
| Best Track | Florence and the Machine — "You've Got The Love" | |
| Best Video | Chase & Status — "End Credits" | |
| Best Album | The National — High Violet |
2009
The winners of 2009 Q Awards are:- Icon Award: Marianne Faithfull
- Idol Award: Spandau Ballet
- Inspiration Award: The Specials
- Innovation in Sound: Sonic Youth
- Classic Album: U2 — The Unforgettable Fire
- Classic Song: Frankie Goes to Hollywood — "Relax"
- Legend Award: Edwyn Collins
- Classic Songwriter: Yusuf Islam
- Outstanding Contribution to Music: Robert Plant
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Muse | |
| Best Live Act | Arctic Monkeys | |
| Best New Act | White Lies | |
| Best Breakthrough Artist | Mr Hudson | |
| Best Track | Lily Allen — "The Fear" | |
| Best Video | Lady Gaga — "Just Dance" | |
| Best Album | Kasabian — West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum |
2008
The winners of 2008 Q Awards are:- Classic Song: Meat Loaf — "Bat Out of Hell"
- Classic Songwriter: John Mellencamp
- Innovation in Sound: Massive Attack
- Outstanding Contribution to Music: David Gilmour
- Legend Award: Glen Campbell
- Inspiration Award: Cocteau Twins
- Idol Award: Grace Jones
- Icon Award: Adam Ant
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Coldplay | |
| Best Live Act | Kaiser Chiefs | |
| Best New Act | The Last Shadow Puppets | |
| Best Breakthrough Artist | Duffy | |
| Best Track | Keane — "Spiralling" | |
| Best Video | Vampire Weekend — "A-Punk" | |
| Best Album | Coldplay — "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" |
2007
The winners of 2007 Q Awards are:- Classic Song: Stereophonics — "Local Boy in the Photograph"
- Classic Album: The Verve — Urban Hymns
- Classic Songwriter: Billy Bragg
- Innovation in Sound: Sigur Rós
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Johnny Marr
- Merit Award: Ryan Adams
- Hero Award: Anthony H Wilson
- Legend Award: Ian Brown
- Inspiration Award: Damon Albarn
- Idol Award: Kylie Minogue
- Icon Award: Paul McCartney
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Arctic Monkeys | |
| Best Live Act | Muse | |
| Best New Act | The Enemy | |
| Best Breakthrough Artist | Kate Nash | |
| Best Track | Manic Street Preachers — "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough" | |
| Best Video | Kaiser Chiefs — "Ruby" | |
| Best Album | Amy Winehouse — Back to Black |
2006
The winners of 2006 Q Awards are:- Inspiration Award: a-ha
- Outstanding Contribution to Music: Smokey Robinson
- Groundbreaker Award: Primal Scream
- Icon Award: Jeff Lynne
- Idol Award: Take That
- Outstanding Performance Award: Faithless
- Classic Songwriter: Noel Gallagher
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter Gabriel
- Merit Award: Manic Street Preachers
- Innovation in Sound: The Edge
- Classic Song: Culture Club — "Karma Chameleon"
- Legend Award: The Who
- Award of Award: U2
- People's Choice Award: Arctic Monkeys
- Charity of the Year: War on Want
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Oasis | |
| Best Live Act | Muse | |
| Best New Act | Corinne Bailey Rae | |
| Best Track | Gnarls Barkley — "Crazy" | |
| Best Video | The Killers — "When You Were Young" | |
| Best Album | Arctic Monkeys — Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not |
2005
The winners of 2005 Q Awards are:- Inspiration Award: Björk
- Outstanding Contribution to Music: Paul Weller
- Icon Award: Jimmy Page
- Classic Songwriter: Nick Cave
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Bee Gees
- Innovation in Sound: The Prodigy
- Classic Song: Ray Davies — "Waterloo Sunset"
- Legend Award: Joy Division
- People's Choice Award: Oasis
- Best Producer: Gorillaz/Danger Mouse — Demon Days
- Birthday Honour: Michael Eavis
- Special Award: John Lennon
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Coldplay | |
| Best Live Act | U2 | |
| Best New Act | James Blunt | |
| Best Track | KT Tunstall — "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" | |
| Best Video | Gorillaz — "Feel Good Inc." | |
| Best Album | Oasis — Don't Believe the Truth |
2004
The winners of 2004 Q Awards are:- Merit Award: Shane MacGowan
- Innovation in Sound: The Human League
- Inspiration Award: The Pet Shop Boys
- Classic Songwriter: Elton John
- Icon Award: U2
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Roxy Music
- Best Producer: Mick Jones
- * Jerry Finn
- * The Neptunes
- * Rich Costey, John Cornfield, Muse and Paul Reeve
- * Scissor Sisters
- * Bobby Ross Avila, Bryan-Michael Cox, Destro Music, Dre & Vidal,
James "Big Jim" Wright, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,
Just Blaze, Lil Jon, L.A. Reid, Rich Harrison, Robin Thicke, Usher
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Red Hot Chili Peppers | |
| Best Live Act | Muse | |
| Best New Act | Razorlight | |
| Best Track | Jamelia — "See It in a Boy's Eyes" | |
| Best Video | Franz Ferdinand — "Take Me Out" | |
| Best Album | Keane — Hopes and Fears |
2003
The winners of 2003 Q Awards are:- Inspiration Award: The Cure
- Icon Award: Jane's Addiction
- Classic Songwriter: Dexys Midnight Runners
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Duran Duran
- Special Award: Scott Walker
- Innovation in Sound: Muse
- * David Gray
- * Goldfrapp
- * Richard X
- * Super Furry Animals
- Best Producer: Nigel Godrich
- * Blur / Ben Hillier
- * Dr. Dre
- * Ethan Johns
- * Pharrell Williams
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Radiohead | |
| Best Live Act | Robbie Williams | |
| Best New Act | The Thrills | |
| Best Track | Christina Aguilera — "Dirrty" | |
| Best Video | Electric Six — "Gay Bar" | |
| Best Album | Blur — Think Tank |
2002
The winners of 2002 Q Awards are:- Classic Songwriter: Jimmy Cliff
- Special Award: Depeche Mode
- Merit Award: Elvis Costello
- Inspiration Award: Echo & the Bunnymen
- Best Producer:Moby
- * Rick Rubin
- * Tony Visconti
- * Ken Nelson and Mark Pythian
- * Weezer and Tom Lord-Alge
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Radiohead | |
| Best Live Act | The Hives | |
| Best New Act | The Electric Soft Parade | |
| Best Single | Sugababes — "Freak like Me" | |
| Best Video | Pink — "Get the Party Started" | |
| Best Album | Coldplay — A Rush of Blood to the Head |
2001
The winners of 2001 Q Awards are:- Classic Songwriter: Kate Bush
- Special Award: Brian Eno
- Merit Award: Elvis Costello
- Inspiration Award: John Lydon
- People's Choice Award: U2
- Best Producer: Nigel Godrich
- * Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois
- * Chris Shaw
- * Dan the Automator
- * John Leckie
- * Pat McCarthy
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Radiohead | |
| Best Live Act | Manic Street Preachers | |
| Best New Act | Starsailor | |
| Best Single | Ash — "Burn Baby Burn" | |
| Best Video | Gorillaz — "Clint Eastwood" | |
| Best Album | Travis — The Invisible Band |
2000
The winners of 2000 Q Awards are:- Merit Award: Jerry Dammers
- Songwriter Award: Guy Chambers and Robbie Williams
- Inspiration Award: Joe Strummer
- Best Producer: Artful Dodger
- * Dave Eringa and George Brakoulias
- * Dr. Dre
- * Guy Chambers and Steve Power
- * Ross Robinson
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Travis | |
| Best Live Act | Oasis | |
| Best New Act | Badly Drawn Boy | |
| Best Single | David Gray — "Babylon" | |
| Best Video | Kelis — "Caught Out There" | |
| Best Album | Coldplay — Parachutes |
1999
The winners of 1999 Q Awards are:- Classic Songwriter: Ian Dury and Chaz Jankel
- Best Producer: William Orbit
- Inspiration Award: New Order
- Special Merit Award: Keith Richards
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Blur | |
| Best Live Act | Stereophonics | |
| Best New Act | Basement Jaxx | |
| Best Single | Travis — "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" | |
| Best Album | The Chemical Brothers — Surrender |
1998
The winners of 1998 Q Awards are:- Songwriter Award: Paul Weller
- Inspiration Award: Blondie
- Lifetime Achievement Award: R.E.M.
- Best Producer: Fatboy Slim
- * Billy Corgan
- * Mike Hedges
- * Neil Finn
- * William Orbit
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Manic Street Preachers | |
| Best Live Act | Roni Size & Reprazent | |
| Best New Act | Gomez | |
| Best Single | Catatonia — "Road Rage" | |
| Best Album | Massive Attack — "Mezzanine" |
1997
The winners of 1997 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Nellee Hooper
- Best Reissue/Compilation: Various Artists — The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers
- Songwriter Award: Paul McCartney
- Inspiration Award: Patti Smith
- Lifetime Achievement Award: The Who
- Special Award: Phil Spector
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Oasis | |
| Best Live Act | The Prodigy | |
| Best New Act | Fun Lovin' Criminals | |
| Best Album | Radiohead — OK Computer |
1996
The winners of 1996 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: John Leckie
- Best Reissue/Compilation: The Beatles — The Beatles Anthology
- Inspiration Award: U2
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rod Stewart
- Merit Award: Elvis Costello
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | Oasis | |
| Best Live Act | Pulp | |
| Best New Act | Alanis Morissette | |
| Best Album | Manic Street Preachers — Everything Must Go |
1995
The winners of 1995 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Tricky
- Best Reissue/Compilation: Various Artists — The Help Album
- Inspiration Award: David Bowie / Brian Eno
- Merit Award: Eric Clapton
- Songwriter Award: Van Morrison
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | R.E.M. | |
| Best Live Act | Oasis | |
| Best New Act | Supergrass | |
| Best Album | Blur — The Great Escape |
1994
The winners of 1994 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Stephen Street
- Best Reissue/Compilation: Various Artists — The Tougher than Tough
- Inspiration Award: The Kinks
- Merit Award: U2
- Songwriter Award: Morrissey
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | R.E.M. | |
| Best Live Act | Pink Floyd | |
| Best New Act | Oasis | |
| Best Album | Blur — Parklife |
1993
The winners of 1993 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Flood Brian Eno The Edge/Zooropa
- Best Reissue/Compilation: The Beach Boys —
- Inspiration Award: Donald Fagen
- Merit Award: Elton John
- Songwriter Award: Neil Finn
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | U2 | |
| Best Live Act | Neil Young | |
| Best New Act | Suede | |
| Best Album | Sting — Ten Summoner's Tales |
1992
The winners of 1992 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Daniel Lanois Peter Gabriel The Orb
- Best Reissue/Compilation: Bob Marley — Songs of Freedom
- Inspiration Award: B.B. King
- Merit Award: Led Zeppelin
- Songwriter Award: Neil Finn
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | U2 | |
| Best Live Act | Crowded House | |
| Best New Act | Tori Amos | |
| Best Album | R.E.M. — Automatic for the People |
1991
The winners of 1991 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Trevor Horn
- Merit Award: Lou Reed
- Songwriter Award: Richard Thompson
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | R.E.M. / U2 | |
| Best Live Act | Simple Minds | |
| Best New Act | Seal | |
| Best Album | R.E.M. — Out of Time |
1990
The winners of 1990 Q Awards are:- Best Producer: Paul Oakenfold / Steve Osborne
- Best Reissue/Compilation: The Beach Boys — Pet Sounds
- Merit Award: Paul McCartney
- Songwriter Award: Prince
| Award | Winner | Nominee |
| Best Act in the World Today | U2 | |
| Best Live Act | The Rolling Stones | |
| Best New Act | They Might Be Giants | |
| Best Album | World Party — Goodbye Jumbo |