The beloved Nashville Songwriter Awards, an annual evening of celebration established by The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), is set for September 22, 2026 at Ryman Auditorium. The return marks its 9th year in this format honoring the top songwriters of the past year, torchbearers within the industry, and professional songwriters who have crafted tunes that standout above the rest, earning the highest admiration from their peers and honor the faces behind the music adored by Music City and fans around the world.
Many award winners are concealed until night-of, however, NSAI has announced that VINCE GILL and PAUL WILLIAMS, two iconic members of the music landscape, will be honored for their impacts within the industry, personal career achievements, and their unwavering commitment to the songwriting community. VINCE GILL, gifted songwriter, philanthropist, andone of the most beloved artists in modern country music will receive the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement award, adding the honor to his long list of accolades received in the past, including being named a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1991, joining the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, entering the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and receiving the 2014 BMI Icon honor.
The Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement award is the organization’s pinnacle honor, given to an individual whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and one who has inspired the careers of others, the award has only been given to seven other recipients since its inception: ALABAMA (2025), Alan Jackson (2024), Bobby Braddock (2023), Garth Brooks (2022), Loretta Lynn (2019), Bill Anderson (2018), and Willie Nelson (2013).
The second revealed honoree, PAUL WILLIAMS, will be presented with NSAI’s President’s Keystone Award, in recognition of his significant contributions to the industry for the betterment of all songwriters.
Audience members can anticipate a night filled with non-stop stories and performances as these award categories are honored alongside the winners of the Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year awards and the coveted ‘10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards. The event is produced each year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music.
For more information, visit nashvillesongwriters.com.