The nominees were revealed on 7 September 2020, which is when general public voting commences. The event occurred on 20 October 2020.[1]
The 2020 event was a hybrid digital & physical event in October 2020 due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [2]
The 2020 awards are set to "celebrate the resilience of the live music sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic". More than 40 awards have been sidelined from 2019s event, in part due to the difficulties of recognising an industry that was unable to tour for half of the eligibility period. Two new, permanent awards are being added to the event; the first, the finest work by Live Music Journalists in Australia and the second, Best International Tour, will award an Australian promoter for their work on an Australian tour, fronted by an International guest.[1][3] In July 2020, founding board member Damian Cunningham said "The NLMAs is back to honour not only the fantastic artists and acts that have performed in Australia this year, but to shine a light on excellent the work done within the industry as response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year has highlighted difficulties and hurdles never before seen within our industry which has had devastating effects. But as always, we have risen high and responded across the board, be it within TV or internet based concerts to drive-in style gigs. This industry is one that responds to any situation."[3]
For the incredible work done by The Sebastian Foundation and for his contributions to Fire Fight Australia and raising $200,000 with The Sony Foundation.
For their relentless fundraising efforts during the 2019–2020 bushfire crisis and with Support Act, as well as their performance at Fire Fight Australia.
Note: The State and Territory awards are public voted, and for 2020, a single award for each state and territory will be awarded; the Best Live Act. Voting for these awards ran from 7 September - 24 September.[4]
