From the everyday sounds that encapsulate the events of the past twelve months to the year’s most innovative and creative sound technology,
the Sound of the Year Awards is an annual celebration of sound in all its forms and complexities.
This year, we are running things a little differently. Instead of opening up our usual nine categories, we will be focusing on a revised and adapted version of our Sound of the Year category.
We will also be extending the eligibility period. You can now submit recordings made between January 2025 to March 2026.
For the Sound of the Year category we will be awarding three prize winners, for three different subcategories. These are:
Submissions are now open!
Deadline: 30th March 2026
Apply HERE
Judged by a panel of experts from the international sound community, the awards are open to professionals and amateurs alike from all over the world. Listen to the winning entries from the 2024 edition below.
This year, we are running things a little differently. Instead of opening up our usual nine categories, we will be focusing on a revised and adapted version of our Sound of the Year category.
We will also be extending the eligibility period. You can now submit recordings made between January 2025 to March 2026.
For the Sound of the Year category we will be awarding three prize winners, for three different subcategories. These are:
-
Political Sound - For this we are looking for sounds that translate the political moment we are in. A snapshot in time of the issues, sentiments and feelings of 2025/26.
-
Social Sound - Here we are looking for sounds that capture the social moment of the year from collective memories, sentiments and community from around the world.
-
Environmental Sound - For this subcategory we are looking for sounds that reflect and celebrate our natural world or highlight sounds in danger of disappearing.
Submissions are now open!
Deadline: 30th March 2026
Apply HERE
Judged by a panel of experts from the international sound community, the awards are open to professionals and amateurs alike from all over the world. Listen to the winning entries from the 2024 edition below.
Sound Of The Year
Alexandre Mitri - Drones And Airtrikes
Best Natural Sound
Ellie Williams - Seismic Elephant Seal
Disappearing Sound
LUCUS - The Howlers In The Wind
Composed With Sound
Simon James - Neolithic Cannibals
Sound Of The City
Max Greening - Vendors in the Park
Best Imagined Sound
Oksana Rudko - Whispers of the Stars
Best Sound Innovation
Craig Vear - Jess+
Most Unpleasant Sound
Haitham Atme - Gaza Cries in the Dark
Children’s Category
Mark Williamson - Cornholme School