# List of Ivor Novello Award winners and nominees (1970s–1980s)

The Ivor Novello Awards are held annually since 1956 by the Ivors Academy, formerly the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, to recognize the excellence in songwriting and composing. The following list consists of all the winners and nominees of the awards by year, the winners are listed first and in bold followed by the nominees if present.
The awards and nominations are received by the songwriters of the nominated work, not the performers, unless they also have songwriting credits.

## 1970s
### 1970

The 15th Ivor Novello Awards were presented on May 10, 1970 at Talk of The Town, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Noël Coward |
| Best Score from a Film or Musical Play | The Madwoman of Chaillot – Written by Michael Lewis |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?" – Written and performed by Peter Sarstedt |
| British International Hit of the Year | "Love is All" – Written by Barry Mason and Les Reed; Performed by Les Reed |
| International Artist of the Year | Tom Jones |
| Special Award for Originality | "Space Oddity" – Written and performed by David Bowie |
| Special Award for Most Outstanding Contemporary Song | "Melting Pot" – Written by Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway; Performed by Blue Mink |
| The "A" Side of the Record Issued in 1969 Which Achieved the Highest Certified British Sales | "Get Back" – Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; Performed by The Beatles |
| The British Songwriter of the Year | Tony Macaulay |
| The Most Performed Song of the Year | "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" – Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; Performed by The Beatles |
| The Year's Outstanding Light Orchestral Arranger/Composer | Ernest Tomlinson |

### 1971

The 16th Ivor Novello Awards were in 1971.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Cliff Richard |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Something" – Written by George Harrison; Performed by The Beatles |
| Best Theme from Any Film, Television Programme or Theatrical Production | ""Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler?" – Written by Jimmy Perry and Derek Taverner |
| British Songwriters of the Year | Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway |
| Light Music Award | "March from the Colour Suite" – Written by Gordon Langford |
| The "A" Side of the Record Issued in 1970 Which Achieved the Highest Certified British Sales | "In the Summertime" – Written by Ray Dorset, Performed by Mungo Jerry |
| The Best Ballad or Romantic Song, Musically and Lyrically | "Home Lovin' Man" – Written by Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway and Tony Macaulay; Performed by Andy Williams |
| The Best Novel or Unusual Song, Musically and Lyrically | "Grandad" – Written by Herbie Flowers and Ken Pickett; Performed by Clive Dunn |
| The Best Pop Song | "Love Grows" – Written by Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason; Performed by Edison Lighthouse |
| The International Hit of the Year by British Writers | "In the Summertime" – Written by Ray Dorset, Performed by Mungo Jerry |
| The Most Performed Work of the Year | "Yellow River" – Written by Jeff Christie; Performed by Christie |

### 1972

The 17th Ivor Novello Awards were broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on June 28, 1972, with the winners being presented by Robin Boyle.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Jimmy Kennedy |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Don't Let It Die" – Written and performed by Hurricane Smith |
| British Songwriters of the Year | Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway |
| Entertainment Music | Ron Goodwin |
| The "A" Side of the Record Issued in 1971 Which Achieved the Highest Certified British Sales | "My Sweet Lord" – Written and performed by George Harrison |
| The Best Ballad or Romantic Song, Musically and Lyrically | "No Matter How I Try" – Written and performed by Gilbert O'Sullivan |
| The Best Novel or Unusual Song, Musically and Lyrically | "Ernie" – Written and performed by Benny Hill |
| The Best Pop Song, Musically and Lyrically | "A Simple Game" – Written by Mike Pinder; Performed by The Moody Blues |
| The Best Song and/or Theme Score from Any Film, Television Programme or Theatrical Production | "I Don't Know How to Love Him" – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice |
| The International Hit of the Year by British Writers | Jesus Christ Superstar – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice |
| The Most Performed Work of the Year | "My Sweet Lord" – Written and performed by George Harrison |

### 1973

The 18th Ivor Novello Awards took place at the Music Publishers Association Lunch at the Connaught Rooms, London on May 3, 1973.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Vivian Ellis |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Without You" – Written by Tom Evans and Peter Ham; Performed by Badfinger |
| British Songwriter of the Year | Gilbert O'Sullivan |
| The "A" Side of the Record Issued in 1972 Which Achieved the Highest Certified British Sales | "Mouldy Old Dough" – Written by Nigel Fletcher and Rob Woodward; Performed by Lieutenant Pigeon |
| The Best Ballad or Romantic Song | "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" – Written by Ewan MacColl; Performed by Roberta Flack |
| The Best Novel or Unusual Song | "The People Tree" – Written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley |
| Best Pop Song | "Oh, Babe, What Would You Say?" – Written and performed by Hurricane Smith |
| The Best Song and/or Theme or Score from Any Film or Theatrical Production | Diamonds Are Forever – Written by John Barry and Don Black |
| The Best Song and/or Theme from Any Radio or Television Programme | Colditz – Written by Robert Farnon |
| The International Hit of the Year by British Writers | "Without You" – Written by Tom Evans and Peter Ham; Performed by Badfinger |
| The Most Performed Work of the Year | "Beg, Steal or Borrow" – Written by Tony Cole, Graeme Hall and Steve Wolfe; Performed by The New Seekers |

### 1974

The 19th Ivor Novello Awards were broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on May 17, 1974. The awards were introduced by Alan Black.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Tolchard Evans |
| Best Selling British Record | "I Love You Love Me Love" – Written by Mike Leander; Performed by Gary Glitter |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Daniel" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; Performed by Elton John |
| Most Performed British Song | "Get Down" – Written and performed by Gilbert O'Sullivan |
| Songwriters of the Year | Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn |
| The Best Ballad or Romantic Song | "Won't Somebody Dance with Me" – Written and performed by Lynsey de Paul |
| The Beast Beat Song | "Rubber Bullets" – Written by Lol Creme, Kevin Godley and Graham Gouldman; Performed by 10cc |
| The Best Novel or Unusual Song | "Nice One Cyril" – Written by Helen Clarke and Harold Spiro; Performed by Cockerel Chorus |
| The Best Pop Song | "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" – Written by Tony Macaulay and Geoff Stephens; Performed by The New Seekers |
| The Best Score from Any Film or Theatrical Production | Jesus Christ Superstar – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice |
| The Best Song or Theme from Any Radio or TV Programme | Galloping Home from The Adventures of Black Beauty – Written by Denis King |
| The International Hit of the Year by British Writers | "Power to All Our Friends" – Written by Guy Fletcher and Doug Flett; Performed by Cliff Richard |

### 1975

The 20th Ivor Novello Awards took place at the Dorchester Hotel, London and were broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on May 22, 1975. The awards were introduced by Len Jackson.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Vera Lynn |
| Best Selling British Record | "Tiger Feet" – Written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn; Performed by Mud |
| Most Performed British Song | "Wombling Song" – Written by Mike Batt; Performed by The Wombles |
| Songwriters of the Year | Phil Coulter and Bill Martin |
| The Best Light Orchestral Work | "Four Dances from Aladdin" – Written by Ernest Tomlinson |
| The Best New Musical | Treasure Island – Written by Cyril Ornadel and Hal Shaper |
| The Best Pop Song | "Kung Fu Fighting" – Written and performed by Carl Douglas |
| The Best Theme from a Film or a Stage, Radio or Television Production | "No, Honestly" from the series of the same name – Written by Lynsey de Paul |
| The British International Hit of the Year | "The Night Chicago Died" – Written by Peter Callander and Mitch Murray; Performed by Paper Lace |
| The Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Streets of London" – Written and performed by Ralph McTell |

### 1976

The 21st Ivor Novello Awards took place on May 11, 1976, at the Dorchester Hotel, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Dick James |
| Best British Musical | Great Expectations – Written by Cyril Ornadel and Hal Shaper |
| Best British Work for Children | "Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo" – Written by Michael Flanders and Joseph Horovitz |
| Best Film Score | Murder on the Orient Express – Written by Richard Rodney Bennett |
| Best Instrumental Work | "Introduction and Air to a Stained Glass Window" – Written by John Gregory |
| Best Middle of the Road Song | "Harry" – Written by Catherine Howe |
| Best Selling British Record | "Bohemian Rhapsody" – Written by Freddie Mercury; Performed by Queen |
| Best Theme from TV or Radio | "The Edwardians" from Upstairs, Downstairs – Written by Alexander Faris |
| International Hit of the Year | "I'm Not in Love" – Written by Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart; Performed by 10cc |
| Most Performed British Work | "I'm Not in Love" – Written by Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart; Performed by 10cc |
| Music Publisher of the Year | Geoffrey Heath |
| Songwriters of the Year | Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington |
| The Best Pop Song | "I'm Not in Love" – Written by Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart; Performed by 10cc |

### 1977

The 22nd Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Adrian Boult |
| Best Instrumental Work | "Rain Forest" – Written by Biddu Theme from The Sweeney – Written by Harry South "Them from a Non-Existent TV Series" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin |
| Best Middle of the Road Song | "Music" – Written and performed by John Miles "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Performed by Julie Covington "Miss You Nights" – Written by Dave Townsend; Performed by Cliff Richard |
| Best Theme from Radio or Television Production | Sam – Composed by John McCabe Bouquet of Barbed Wire – Composed by Dennis Farnon The Sweeney – Composed by Harry South |
| International Hit of the Year | "Save Your Kisses for Me" – Written by Tony Hiller, Martin Lee and Lee Sheriden; Performed by Brotherhood of Man "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; Performed by Elton John and Kiki Dee "You Should Be Dancing" – Written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees |
| Most Performed Work and Best Selling "A" Side | "Save Your Kisses for Me" – Written by Tony Hiller, Martin Lee and Lee Sheriden; Performed by Brotherhood of Man "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; Performed by Elton John and Kiki Dee |
| Songwriter of the Year | Biddu |
| Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Led Zeppelin (John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant) |
| Special Award | Monty Norman for the "James Bond Theme" |
| The Best Pop Song | "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin "Heart on My Sleeve" – Written by Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle; Performed by Gallagher and Lyle "We Do It" – Written by Russell Stone; Performed by R&J Stone |

### 1978

The 23rd Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Harry Mortimer |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Performed by Julie Covington "How Deep Is Your Love" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees "Sam" – Written by John Farrar, Hank Marvin and Don Black; Performed by Olivia Newton-John |
| Songwriter of the Year | Tony Macaulay |
| Special Award | Bee Gees (Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb) |
| The Best British Musical | Privates on Parade – Written by Denis King and Peter Nichols |
| The Best Film Music or Song | "How Deep Is Your Love" from Saturday Night Fever – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb Performed by Bee Gees The Duellists – Composed by Howard Blake The Scarlet Buccaneer – Composed by John Addison |
| The Best Instrumental or Popular Orchestral Work | "Cavatina" – Composed by Stanley Myers "Love Transformation" – Composed by Roger Greenaway "The Snow Goose" – Composed by Ed Welch and Spike Milligan |
| The Best Pop Song | "How Deep Is Your Love" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb Performed by Bee Gees "Boogie Nights" – Written by Rod Temperton; Performed by Heatwave "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Performed by Julie Covington "Mull of Kintyre" – Written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine; Performed by Wings |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Mull of Kintyre" – Written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine; Performed by Wings "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Performed by Julie Covington "Don't Give Up on Us" – Written by Tony Macaulay; Performed by David Soul |
| The Best Theme from a Radio or Television Production | Poldark – Composed by Kenyon Emrys-Roberts Love for Lydia – Composed by Harry Rabinowitz Wings – Composed by Alexander Faris |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Performed by Julie Covington "How Deep Is Your Love" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb Performed by Bee Gees "Angelo" – Written by Tony Hiller, Lee Sheriden and Martin Lee; Performed by Brotherhood of Man |
| The Most Performed Work | "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Performed by Julie Covington "Don't Give Up on Us" – Written by Tony Macaulay; Performed by David Soul "I Don't Want to Put a Hold On You" – Written by Berni Flint and Michael Flint; Performed by Berni Flint |
| The Outstanding Lyric of the Year | "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" – Written by Michael Coleman and Brian Burke; Performed by Brian and Michael "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" – Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber; Performed by Julie Covington "Heaven on the 7th Floor" – Written by Dominique Bugatti and Frank Musker; Performed by Paul Nicholas |

### 1979

The 24th Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | George Martin |
| Best Film Score | The Silent Witness – Composed by Alan Hawkshaw The 39 Steps – Composed by Ed Welch Watership Down – Composed by Angela Morley, Mike Batt and Malcolm Williamson |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Baker Street" – Written and performed by Gerry Rafferty "Can't Smile Without You" – Written by Chris Arnold, David Martin and Geoff Morrow; Performed by The Carpenters "Wuthering Heights" – Written and performed by Kate Bush |
| Songwriters of the Year | Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb |
| Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Jeff Lynne |
| Special Award for Services to British Songwriters | Victor Knight |
| The Best British Musical | Evita – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice |
| The Best Film Song | "Bright Eyes" from Watership Down – Written by Mike Batt; Performed by Art Garfunkel "Grease" from the film of the same name – Written by Barry Gibb; Performed by Frankie Valli "Stayin' Alive" from Saturday Night Fever – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees |
| The Best Instrumental or Popular Orchestral Work | "Song for Guy" – Composed by Elton John "Heartsong" – Composed by Gordon Giltrap "Dr. Who" – Composed by Ron Grainer |
| The Best Pop Song | "Baker Street" – Written and performed by Gerry Rafferty "Night Fever" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees "Wuthering Heights" – Written by Kate Bush |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Night Fever" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" – Written by Michael Coleman and Brian Burke; Performed by Brian and Michael "Rat Trap" – Written by Bob Geldof; Performed by The Boomtown Rats |
| The Best Theme from a Radio or Television Production | Lillie – Composed by Joseph Horovitz Fawlty Towers – Composed by Dennis Wilson "Hong Kong Beat" – Composed by Richard Denton and Martin Cook |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Stayin' Alive" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees "Dreadlock Holiday" – Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman; Performed by 10cc "It's a Heartache" – Written by Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe, Performed by Bonnie Tyler |
| The Most Performed Work | "Night Fever" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees "Mull of Kintyre" – Written by Paul McCartney; Performed by Bee Gees "The Floral Dance" – Written by Katie Moss |
| The Outstanding British Lyric | "The Man with the Child in His Eyes" – Written and performed by Kate Bush "Baker Street" – Written and performed by Gerry Rafferty "Railway Hotel" – Written and performed by Mike Batt |

## 1980s
### 1980

The 25th Ivors were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Robert Mayer |
| Best British Musical | Songbook – Written by Monty Norman and Julian More A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine – Written by Dick Vosburgh and Frank Lazarus |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "The Logical Song" – Written by Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson; Performed by Supertramp "Bright Eyes" – Written by Mike Batt; Performed by Art Garfunkel "We Don't Talk Anymore" – Written by Alan Tarney; Performed by Cliff Richard |
| Songwriter of the Year | Ben Findon |
| Special Award for International Achievement | Paul McCartney |
| Special Award for Lifetime Achievement | Edgar Yipsel Harburg and Jimmy Kennedy |
| The Best Film Song, Theme or Score | Caravans – Written by Mike Batt Music Machine – Written by Leslie Hurdle and Frank Ricotti Yanks – Written by Richard Rodney Bennett |
| The Best Instrumental or Popular Orchestral Work | "War of the Worlds" – Written by Jeff Wayne and Gary Osborne "African Sanctus" – Written by David Fanshawe "The Valley of Swords" – Written by Mike Batt |
| The Best Pop Song | "I Don't Like Mondays" – Written by Bob Geldof; Performed by The Boomtown Rats "Off the Wall" – Written by Rodney Temperton; Performed by Michael Jackson "Video Killed the Radio Star" – Written by Bruce Woolley, Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes; Performed by The Buggles |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Bright Eyes" – Written by Mike Batt; Performed by Art Garfunkel "Another Brick in the Wall" – Written by Roger Waters; Performed by Pink Floyd "I Don't Like Mondays" – Written by Bob Geldof; Performed by The Boomtown Rats |
| The Best Theme from a Radio or Television Production | "Nunc Dimittis" from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – Written by Geoffrey Burgon Secret Army – Written by Robert Farnon Shoestring – Written by George Fenton |
| The International Hit of the Year | "We Don't Talk Anymore" – Written by Alan Tarney; Performed by Cliff Richard "I Don't Like Mondays" – Written by Bob Geldof; Performed by The Boomtown Rats "Too Much Heaven" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees |
| The Most Performed Work | "Bright Eyes" – Written by Mike Batt, Performed by Art Garfunkel "Cavatina" – Composed by Stanley Myers "We Don't Talk Anymore" – Written by Alan Tarney; Performed by Cliff Richard |
| The Outstanding British Lyric | "I Don't Like Mondays" – Written by Bob Geldof; Performed by The Boomtown Rats "Bright Eyes" – Written by Mike Batt; Performed by Art Garfunkel "He Was Beautiful" – Written by Cleo Laine |

### 1981

The 26th Ivors were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | William Walton |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Woman in Love" – Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Barbra Streisand "Babooshka" – Written and performed by Kate Bush "Together We Are Beautiful" – Written by Ken Leray; Performed by Fern Kinney "Your Ears Should Be Burning Now" – Written by Tony Macaulay and Don Black; Performed by Marti Webb |
| Songwriter of the Year | Ben Findon |
| Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music | John Lennon |
| The Best Film Song, Theme or Score | "Xanadu" – Written by Jeff Lynne, Performed by Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra "Flash" – Written by Brian May; Performed by Queen "Silver Dream Machine" – Written and performed by David Essex |
| The Best Pop Song | "Stop the Cavalry" – Written and performer by Jona Lewie "Don't Stand So Close to Me" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "What You're Proposing" – Written by Francis Rossi and Bernard Frost; Performed by Status Quo |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "There's No One Quite Like Grandma" – Written by Gordon Lorenz; Performed by St Winifred's School Choir "Don't Stand So Close to Me" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Woman in Love" – Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Barbra Streisand |
| The Best Theme for a Radio or Television Production | "I Could Be So Good For You" from Minder – Written by Gerard Kenny and Patricia Waterman Fox – Written by George Fenton Juliet Bravo – Written by J.S. Bach and arranged by Derek Goom |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Another Brick in the Wall" – Written by Roger Waters; Performed by Pink Floyd "Another One Bites the Dust" – Written by John Deacon; Performed by Queen "Woman in Love" – Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb |
| The Most Performed Work | "Together We Are Beautiful" – Written by Ken Leray; Performed by Fern Kinney "I'm in the Mood for Dancing" – Written by Ben Findon, Michael Myers and Robert Puzey, Performed by The Nolan Sisters "January February" – Written by Alan Tarney; Performed by Barbara Dickson |
| The Outstanding British Lyric | "Take That Look Off Your Face" – Written by Don Black; Performed by Marti Webb "Stop the Cavalry" – Written and performed by Jona Lewie "Woman in Love" – Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Barbra Streisand |

### 1982

The 27th Ivors were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Lennox Berkeley |
| Best British Musical | Cats – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn |
| Best Film Theme or Song | The French Lieutenant's Woman – Written by Carl Davis "For Your Eyes Only" from the film of the same name – Written by Bill Conti and Mick Leeson; Performed by Sheena Easton "Without Your Love" from McVicar – Written by Billy Nichols; Performed by Roger Daltrey |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Memory" – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, T.S. Eliot and Trevor Nunn; Performed by Elaine Paige "The Land of Make Believe" – Written by Andy Hill and Pete Sinfield; Performed by Bucks Fizz "Woman" – Written and performed by John Lennon |
| Best Theme from a TV or Radio Production | Brideshead Revisited – Written by Geoffrey Burgon The Flame Trees of Thika – Written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley Shillingbury Tales – Written by Ed Welch |
| Songwriters of the Year | Adam Ant and Marco Pirroni |
| Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music | The Who (Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Kenney Jones, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend) |
| The Best Pop Song | "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Don't You Want Me" – Written by Phil Oakey, Adrian Wright and Jo Callis; Performed by The Human League "Wired for Sound" – Written by Alan Tarney and B.A. Robertson; Performed by Cliff Richard |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Stand and Deliver" – Written by Adam Ant and Marco Pirroni; Performed by Adam and the Ants "Don't You Want Me" – Written by Phil Oakey, Adrian Wright and Jo Callis; Performed by The Human League "Vienna" – Written by Billy Currie, Chris Cross, Warren Cann and Midge Ure; Performed by Ultravox |
| The International Hit of the Year | "In the Air Tonight" – Written and performed by Phil Collins "(Just Like) Starting Over" – Written and performed by John Lennon "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Woman in Love" – Written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Barbra Streisand |
| The Most Performed Work | "You Drive Me Crazy" – Written by Ronnie Harwood; Performed by Shakin' Stevens "Woman" – Written and performed by John Lennon |
| The Outstanding British Lyric | "Woman" – Written and performed by John Lennon "The One That You Love" – Written by Graham Russell; Performed by Air Supply "When He Shines" – Written by Florrie Palmer and Dominic Bugatti; Performed by Sheena Easton |

### 1983

The 28th Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Best British Musical | Windy City – Written by Tony Macaulay and Dick Vosburgh |
| Best Film Theme or Song | "For All Mankind" s from Gandhi – Composed by Ravi Shankar and George Fenton "Another Brick in the Wall" – Composed by Roger Waters; Performed by Pink Floyd "Time and Tide" from The Plague Dogs – Composed and performed by Alan Price |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Have You Ever Been in Love" – Written by Andy Hill, Pete Sinfield and John Danter; Performed by Leo Sayer "Heartbreaker" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Dionne Warwick "Now Those Days Are Gone" – Written by Andy Hill and Nichola Martin; Performed by Bucks Fizz |
| Best Theme from a TV or Radio Production | "Theme from Harry's Game" – Composed by Pól Brennan Omnibus – Composed by George Fenton Smiley's People – Composed by Patrick Gowers |
| Lifetime Achievement in British Music | Vivian Ellis |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Genesis (Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford) |
| Songwriter of the Year | Andy Hill |
| Special Award for 25 Year in the Music Business | The Shadows (Brian Bennett, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch) |
| The Best Pop Song | "Our House" – Written by Carl Smyth and Chris Foreman; Performed by Madness "Come On Eileen" – Written by Kevin Rowland, Kevin Adams and James Paterson; Performed by Dexys Midnight Runners "I Don't Wanna Dance" – Written and performed by Eddy Grant |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Come On Eileen" – Written by Kevin Rowland, Kevin Adams and James Paterson; Performed by Dexys Midnight Runners "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" – Written by Boy George, Michael Craig, Jon Moss and Roy Hay; Performed by Culture Club "Ebony and Ivory" – Written by Paul McCartney |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Ebony and Ivory" – Written by Paul McCartney; Performed by Paul McCartney featuring Stevie Wonder "Don't You Want Me" – Written by Phil Oakey, Adrian Wright and Jo Callis; Performed by The Human League "Heartbreaker" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Dionne Warwick |
| The Most Performed Work | "Golden Brown" – Written by Jean J. Burnell, Hugh Cornwell, Jet Black and David Greenfield; Performed by The Stranglers "Love Plus One" – Written by Nick Heyward; Performed by Haircut One Hundred "Oh Julie" – Written and performed by Shakin' Stevens |
| The Outstanding British Lyric | "Private Investigations" – Written by Mark Knopfler; Performed by Dire Straits "Have You Ever Been in Love" – Written by Andy Hill, Pete Sinfield and John Danter; Performed by Leo Sayer "The Dreaming" – Written and performed by Kate Bush |

### 1984

The 29th Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Status Quo (Andy Bown, Pete Kircher, Alan Lancaster, Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi) |
| Best British Musical | Blood Brothers – Written by Willie Russell Mr. Cinders – Written by Clifford Grey, Greatrex Newman, Leo Robin, Vivian Ellis and Richard Myers Poppy – Written by Pete Nichols and Monty Norman |
| Best Film Theme or Song | "Going Home" – Written by Mark Knopfler "All Time High" from Octopussy – Written by Tim Rice and John Barry; Performed by Rita Coolidge "Walking in the Air" from The Snowman – Written by Howard Blake; Performed by Peter Auty |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Every Breath You Take" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Pipes of Peace" – Written and performed by Paul McCartney "True" – Written by Gary Kemp; Performed by Spandau Ballet |
| Best Theme from a TV or Radio Production | "That's Livin' Alright" from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet – Composed by David Mackay and Ken Ashby Partners in Crime – Composed by Joseph Horovitz The Late, Late Breakfast Show – Written by Gary Kemp |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Andrew Lloyd Webber |
| Songwriters of the Year | Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart |
| Best Pop Song | "Karma Chameleon" – Written by Boy George, Jon Moss, Michael Craig, Roy Hay and Phil Pickett; Performed by Culture Club "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" – Written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart; Performed by Eurythmics "Thriller" – Written by Rod Temperton; Performed by Michael Jackson |
| Best Rock Song | "Let's Dance" – Written and performed by David Bowie "Every Breath You Take" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Owner of a Lonely Heart" – Written by Trevor Rabin, Jon Anderson, Chris Squire and Trevor Horn; Performed by Yes |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Karma Chameleon" – Written by Boy George, Jon Moss, Michael Craig, Roy Hay and Phil Pickett; Performed by Culture Club "Let's Dance" – Written and performed by David Bowie "Only You" – Written by Vince Clarke; Performed by Yazoo |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Let's Dance" – Written and performed by David Bowie "Every Breath You Take" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Karma Chameleon" – Written by Boy George, Jon Moss, Michael Craig, Roy Hay and Phil Pickett; Performed by Culture Club |
| The Most Performed Work | "Every Breath You Take" – Written by Sting; Performed by The Police "Karma Chameleon" – Written by Boy George, Jon Moss, Michael Craig, Roy Hay and Phil Pickett; Performed by Culture Club "Moonlight Shadow" – Written and performed by Mike Oldfield |

### 1985

The 30th Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees; Performed by Culture Club |
| Best British Musical | The Hired Man – Words and Music by Howard Goodall Starlight Express – Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe The Boyfriend – Written by Sandy Wilson |
| Best Contemporary Song | "Two Tribes" – Written by Holly Johnson, Peter Gill and Mark O'Toole; Performed by Frankie Goes to Hollywood "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" – Written and performed by Nik Kershaw "Relax" – Written by Holly Johnson, Peter Gill and Mark O'Toole; Performed by Frankie Goes to Hollywood |
| Best Film Theme or Song | "We All Stand Together" from Rupert and the Frog Song – Written by Paul McCartney Champions – Written by Carl Davis The Company of Wolves – Written by George Fenton |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" – Written and performed by Phil Collins "Careless Whisper" – Written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley; Performed by George Michael "I Should Have Known Better" – Written by Jim Diamond and Graham Lyle; Performed by Jim Diamond |
| Best Theme from a Radio or TV Production | The Jewel in the Crown – Written by George Fenton Another Six English Towns – Written by Jim Parker Kennedy – Written by Richard Hartley |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | The Moody Blues (Graeme Edge, Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Patrick Moraz and Ray Thomas) |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Michael Tippett |
| Songwriter of the Year | George Michael |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Do They Know It's Christmas?" – Written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure; Performed by Band Aid |
| The International Hit of the Year | "The Reflex" – Written by Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor and Nick Rhodes; Performed by Duran Duran "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" – Written by Billy Ocean and Keith Diamond; Performed by Billy Ocean "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" – Written by George Michael; Performed by Wham! |
| The Jimmy Kennedy Award | Tommie Connor |
| The Most Performed Work | "Careless Whisper" – Written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley; Performed by George Michael "I Won't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" – Written and performed by Nik Kershaw "Two Tribes" – Written by Holly Johnson, Peter Gill and Mark O'Toole; Performed by Frankie Goes to Hollywood |

### 1986

The 31st Ivor Novello Awards were held at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Best British Musical | Me and My Girl – Written by Reginald Armitage and Douglas Furber Lennon – Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney Mutiny! – Written by David Essex and Richard Crane |
| Best Contemporary Song | "We Don't Need Another Hero" – Written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten; Performed by Tina Turner "19" – Written by Paul Hardcastle, Mike Oldfield, Bill Couturie and Jonas McCord; Performed by Paul Hardcastle "Money for Nothing" – Written by Mark Knopfler and Sting; Performed by Dire Straits "Running Up That Hill" – Written and performed by Kate Bush |
| Best Film Theme or Song | "We Don't Need Another Hero" from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome – Written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten; Performed by Tina Turner "A View to a Kill" from the film of the same name – Written by Duran Duran and John Barry; Performed by Duran Duran "Hit That Perfect Beat" – Written by John Foster, Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek; Performed by Bronski Beat |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Nikita" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; Performed by Elton John "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" – Written by Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley and Chris Hughes; Performed by Tears for Fears "I Know Him So Well" – Written by Tim Rice, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson; Performed by Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson "I Want to Know What Love Is" – Written by Mick Jones; Performed by Foreigner |
| Best Theme from a Radio or TV Production | Edge of Darkness – Written by Eric Clapton and Michael Kamen EastEnders – Written by Leslie Osborne and Simon May The Last Place on Earth – Written by Trevor Jones |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Elton John |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Malcolm Arnold |
| Songwriter of the Year | Roland Orzabal |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "I Know Him So Well" – Written by Tim Rice, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson "19" – Written by Paul Hardcastle, Mike Oldfield, Bill Couturie and Jonas McCord; Performed by Paul Hardcastle "Easy Lover" – Written by Phil Collins, Philip Bailey and Nathan East; Performed by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins |
| The International Hit of the Year | "19" – Written by Paul Hardcastle, Mike Oldfield, Bill Couturie and Jonas McCord; Performed by Paul Hardcastle "A View to a Kill" – Written by Duran Duran and John Barry; Performed by Duran Duran "Shout" – Written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley; Performed by Tears for Fears |
| The Jimmy Kennedy Award | Lionel Bart |
| Most Performed Work | "Easy Lover" – Written by Phil Collins, Philip Bailey and Nathan East; Performed by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins |

### 1987

The 32nd Ivor Novello Awards were held on April 15, 1987, at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Best British Musical | The Phantom of the Opera – Written by Charles Hart, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe Charlie Girl – Written by David Heneker and John Taylor Chess – Written by Tim Rice, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson |
| Best Contemporary Song | "It's Alright (Baby's Coming Back)" – Written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart; Performed by Eurythmics "Sledgehammer" – Written and performed by Peter Gabriel "West End Girls" – Written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe; Performed by Pet Shop Boys |
| Best Film Theme or Song | "Sweet Freedom" from Running Scared – Written by Rod Temperton; Performed by Michael McDonald "A Kind of Magic" from Highlander – Written by Roger Taylor, Performed by Queen "In Too Deep" from Mona Lisa – Written by Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford; Performed by Genesis |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "Don't Give Up" – Written by Peter Gabriel; Performed by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush "All I Ask of You" – Written by Charles Hart, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe; Performed by Cliff Richard and Sarah Brightman "The Miracle of Love" – Written by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart; Performed by Eurythmics |
| Best Theme from a TV or Radio Production | The Monocled Mutineer – Written by George Fenton Theme from Lost Empires – Written by Derek Hilton "Time After Time" – Written by Rod Argent and Robert Howes |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Queen (Brian May, Freddie Mercury, John Deacon and Roger Taylor) |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Yehudi Menuhin |
| Songwriters of the Year | Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Every Loser Wins" – Written by Simon May, Stewart James and Bradley James; Performed by Nick Berry "Chain Reaction" – Written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Diana Ross "Living Doll" – Written by Lionel Bart; Performed by Cliff Richard and The Shadows |
| The International Hit of the Year | "West End Girls" – Written by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe; Performed by Pet Shop Boys "Nikita" – Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; Performed by Elton John "The Edge of Heaven" – Written by George Michael; Performed by Wham! |
| The Jimmy Kennedy Award | Hugh Charles |
| The Most Performed Work | "Chain Reaction" – Written by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb; Performed by Diana Ross |

### 1988

The 33rd Ivor Novello Awards held on April 7, 1988, at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Best Contemporary Song | "You Win Again" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees "Never Gonna Give You Up" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Rick Astley "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" from the film of the same name – Written by Chris Lowe, Neil Tennant and Allee Willis; Performed by Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield |
| Best Film Score Theme or Song | Cry Freedom – Written by George Fenton and Jonas Gwangwa "The Living Daylights" – Written by John Barry and Pål Waaktaar, Performed by A-ha Theme from Castaway – Written by Stanley Myers |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "(Something Inside) So Strong" – Written and performed by Labi Siffre "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" – Written by Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan; Performed by Aretha Franklin and George Michael "Throwing It All Away" – Written by Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Michael Rutherford; Performed by Genesis |
| Best Theme from a TV or Radio Production | Fortunes of War – Written by Richard Holmes My Family and Other Animals – Written by Daryl Runswick "Neighbours" – Written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Bee Gees (Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb and Robin Gibb) |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | David Heneker |
| Songwriters of the Year | Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Never Gonna Give You Up" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Rick Astley "China in Your Hand" – Written by Carol Decker and Ronald Rogers; Performed by T'Pau "You Win Again" – Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Bee Gees |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Never Gonna Give You Up" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Rick Astley "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" – Written by Simon Climie and Dennis Morgan; Performed by Aretha Franklin and George Michael "It's a Sin" – Written by Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant; Performed by Pet Shop Boys |
| The Jimmy Kennedy Award | Norman Newell |
| The Most Performed Work | "Never Gonna Give You Up" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Rick Astley "Living in a Box" – Written by Marcus Vere and Steve Pigott; Performed by Living in a Box "Respectable" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Mel and Kim |

### 1989

The 34th Ivor Nvello Awards were presented on April 4, 1989, at the Grosvenor House, London.
| Category | Recipient and nominees |
| Best Contemporary Song | "Love Changes (Everything)" – Written by Simon Climie, Dennis Morgan and Rob Fisher; Performed by Climie Fisher "A Little Respect" – Written by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke; Performed by Erasure "Father Figure" – Written and performed by George Michael |
| Best Film Theme or Song | "Two Hearts" from Buster – Written by Phil Collins and Lamont Dozier; Performed by Phil Collins A Fish Called Wanda – Written by John Du Prez "Childhood Days" from Hawks – Written by Barry Gibb and Maurice Gibb |
| Best Song Musically and Lyrically | "They Dance Alone" – Written and performed by Sting "Mary's Prayer" – Written by Gary Clark; Performed by Danny Wilson "Perfect" – Written by Mark Nevin; Performed by Fairground Attraction |
| Best Theme from a TV or Radio Production | Testament – Written by Nigel Hess The Long March – Written by Christopher Gunning |
| Lifetime Achievement | Cliff Richard |
| Outstanding Contribution to British Music | Mark Knopfler and John Illsley |
| Outstanding Services to British Music | Paul McCartney |
| Songwriters of the Year | George Michael Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman |
| The Best Selling "A" Side | "Mistletoe and Wine" – Written by Leslie Stewart, Jeremy Paul and Keith Strachan; Performed by Cliff Richard "Especially for You" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan "I Should Be So Lucky" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman |
| The International Hit of the Year | "Faith" – Written and performed by George Michael "Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car" – Written by Billy Ocean and Robert John "Mutt" Lange "I Should Be So Lucky" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Kylie Minogue |
| The Jimmy Kennedy Award | Leslie Bricusse |
| The Most Performed Work | "I Should Be So Lucky" – Written by Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman; Performed by Kylie Minogue "Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car" – Written by Billy Ocean and Robert John "Mutt" Lange; Performed by Billy Ocean "Love Changes (Everything)" – Written by Simon Climie, Dennis Morgan and Rob Fisher; Performed by Climie Fisher |