Ivor Novello Award 2018: The winners in full

Stormzy and Ed Sheeran were the big winners at this year's Ivor Novello Awards.

The annual event, hosted by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA) and now in its 63rd year, celebrates and rewards the best in British and Irish songwriting and composing. 

Stormzy won the Album Award for his chart-topping debut Gang Signs & Prayer, which the judges described as "an astonishing open hearted body of work that fully captures the spirit of 2017."

Ed Sheeran was named Songwriter of the Year for releasing what was called "an exceptional body work" in his Divide album, while Shape Of You was named Most Performed Work for receiving the most broadcast and online play last year. 

Elsewhere, South London rapper Dave won Best Contemporary Song for his track Question Time, which criticises Prime Minister Theresa May over lack of NHS funding, military involvement in Syria and more, while icon Billy Bragg picked up the Outstanding Contribution prize. 

Of this year’s winners, BASCA Chair Crispin Hunt said: “The Ivors celebrate the best in British and Irish music writing. Our composers and songwriters prove, again and again, that they are some of the best in the world.

"It is an immense privilege for BASCA to honour the extraordinary talent that exists in our sector, recognising creators across a vast range of contemporary music genres and awarding those who have created some of the most outstanding catalogues in music history. To every single winning composer, congratulations from all of us, you are spectacular and a credit to our amazing industry.”

2018 Ivor Novello Award winners

PRS For Music Most Performed Work - Shape Of You written by Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid and Ed Sheeran

Best Original Film Score – Jackie, composed by Mica Levi

International Achievement – Billy Ocean

Best Contemporary Song – Question Time, written by Dave and Fraser T Smith

Ivors Classical Music Award – Thea Musgrave

Best Original Video Game Score – Horizon Zero Dawn, composed by Joris de Man, Joe Henson and Alexis Smith

Best Song Musically and Lyrically – Magnificent (She Says), written by Guy Garvey, Craig Potter, Mark Potter and Pete Turner (Elbow)

PRS For Music Outstanding Contribution to British Music – Billy Bragg

Best Television Soundtrack – The Miniaturist

Best Album – Gang Signs & Prayer, written by Michael “Stormzy” Omari

Songwriter Of The Year – Ed Sheeran

Ivors Inspiration Award – Shane MacGowan

Outstanding Song Collection – Cathy Dennis

PRS For Music Special International Award – Lionel Richie

Article Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock