The Recording Academy announced Thursday that the 65th Annual Grammy Awards will have five new awards categories and a new special merit award. The awards making their debut at the 2023 ceremony will include Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical), Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media, and Best Song for Social Change.
“We’re so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “The Academy’s top priority is to effectively represent the music people that we serve, and each year, that entails listening to our members and ensuring our rules and guidelines reflect our ever-evolving industry.”
Check out a breakdown of the new categories below.
Songwriter Of The Year, Non-ClassicalRecognizes the written excellence, profession and art of songwriting honoring the most prolific non-performing and non-producing songwriters for their body of new work released during an eligibility year.
Best Alternative Music PerformanceA track and single Category that recognizes the best recordings in an alternative performance by a solo artist, collaborating artists, established duo, or established group.
Best Americana PerformanceA track and single Category that recognizes artistic excellence in an Americana performance by a solo artist, collaborating artists, established duo, or established group.
Best Score Soundtrack For Video Games And Other Interactive MediaRecognizes excellence in score soundtrack albums comprised predominately of original scores and created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current video game or other interactive media released within the qualification period.
Best Spoken Word Poetry AlbumAn album Category that recognizes excellence in spoken word albums specific to the performance of poetry with or without music.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD ADDITION:
Best Song For Social ChangeThis Special Merit Award will be determined by a Blue Ribbon Committee and ratified by the Recording Academy Board of Trustees. Submissions must contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy.