Variety Hitmakers Awards
{{Infobox award
| name = Variety's Hitmakers Awards
| subheader = Most recent: 8th Variety Hitmakers Awards
| current_awards =
| caption =
| awarded_for = the year’s most consumed songs
| country = United States
| presenter = Variety
| year = 2017
| website = {{URL|variety.com}}
}}
The Variety Hitmakers Awards is an annual event held by Variety. Is the publication's first music franchise, according to the magazine, it was established to recognize "the artists, labels, executives, producers, publishers, sound mixers, engineers, managers and marketing mavens behind the year’s most consumed songs."{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Jacob |date=2017-11-21 |title=Variety's 2017 Hitmakers |url=https://variety.com/gallery/varietys-2017-hitmakers/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Baltin |first=Steve |title=Variety Celebrates 'Hitmakers' Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2017/11/22/variety-launches-hitmakers-music-franchise-with-kendrick-lamar-dj-khaled/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-09 |title=Music stars step out in style for 2023 Variety's Hitmakers Brunch |url=https://style.nine.com.au/latest/variety-hitmakers-brunch-celebrity-red-carpet-in-pictures/8aff4c33-6a20-46a1-a510-cd7b741d4dc0 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=style.nine.com.au |language=en-AU}}
According the magazine: "The music editors at Variety analyze each song’s merits — including structure, melody/hook, lyrics, cultural relevance and commercial performance — and dissect who played a role in bringing the song to life, from idea to writing to production to execution and out to the marketplace."{{Cite web |date=2022-12-01 |title=Variety's 2022 Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Revealed |url=https://variety.com/lists/variety-hitmakers-2022/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} It was also confirmed by the magazine that all data used to decide the Hitmakers, comes from Luminate.{{Cite magazine |date=2023-12-04 |title=Billie Eilish, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo & More at 2023 Variety Hitmakers Brunch |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/2023-variety-hitmakers-brunch-photos-billie-eilish-sza-olivia-rodrigo-1235533427/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} The first award was presented in 2017, and the most recent event took place in 2024.
Annual honorees includes:
Variety's Hitmaker of the Year Award
File:Charli XCX 2018.jpg was named Variety's Hitmaker of 2024]]
The Variety
- 2017: Kendrick Lamar{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Trevor |date=2017-11-19 |title=Kendrick Lamar Takes Home Variety's Hitmaker Of The Year Award |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/92474-kendrick-lamar-takes-home-varietys-hitmaker-of-the-year-award-news |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}
- 2018: Adam Levine{{Cite web |last=Sippell |first=Margeaux |date=2018-11-27 |title=Variety's Hitmakers Brunch to Honor Adam Levine, Dua Lipa and Bebe Rexha |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/variety-hitmakers-brunch-adam-levine-dua-lipa-bebe-rexha-1203037691/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2019: Billie Eilish{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2019-11-19 |title=Billie Eilish Named Variety's Hitmaker of the Year; Will Be Honored at 3rd Annual Brunch |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/billie-eilish-hitmakers-of-the-year-2019-1203408939/#:~:text=Billie%20Eilish%20has%20been%20named,women%20in%20the%20music%20business. |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: Harry Styles{{Cite web |date=2020-11-10 |title=Harry Styles recognized by 'Variety' as Hitmaker of the Year |url=https://www.wrmf.com/harry-styles-recognized-by-variety-as-hitmaker-of-the-year/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=97.9 WRMF |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Jack Harlow (presented as Hitmaker of Tomorrow)
- 2022: Elton John and Dua Lipa{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=2022-11-21 |title=Dua Lipa and Elton John, Future, Lizzo, Selena Gomez Among Variety's 2022 Hitmakers; Annual Brunch to Honor Top Songs in Music |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/dua-lipa-elton-john-selena-gomez-variety-2022-hitmakers-1235438744/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: SZA{{Cite web |date=2023-11-06 |title=SZA is 'Variety''s Hitmaker of the Year |url=https://thebeat951.com/music-news/2023-11-06-sza-is-varietys-hitmaker-of-the-year/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=95.1 The Beat |language=en-US}}
- 2024: Charli xcx{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-09-26 |title=Charli xcx Named Variety's 2024 Hitmaker of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/charli-xcx-variety-2024-hitmaker-of-the-year-1236156950/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Decade Award
{{Multiple image
| direction =
| image1 = Ellie Goulding O2 Arena.jpg
| image2 = Lana Del Rey Coachella.jpg
| align = right
| footer = Ellie Goulding and Lana Del Rey have been honored with Variety's Decade Award in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
| width = 100
| width1 = 128
| width2 = 130
| alt1 = Ellie Goulding performing life
| alt2 = Lana Del Rey performing live
}}
Variety
= Artists =
- 2019: Ellie Goulding — in recognition of a staying power decade of undeniable hits.{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2019-12-05 |title=The Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Who Defined the Sound of 2019 |url=https://variety.com/gallery/hitmakers-megan-thee-stallion-swae-lee/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2020-12-02 |title=Ellie Goulding Questions Music Awards Process in Op-Ed, Calls for 'Transparency' |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/ellie-goulding-op-ed-grammys-brits-awards-1234844612/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Lana Del Rey — in recognition as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century.{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=2021-11-19 |title=Jack Harlow, Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Lana Del Rey and More to Be Honored at Variety's Hitmakers Event |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/variety-hitmakers-jack-harlow-olivia-rodrigo-lil-nas-x-lana-del-rey-1235115745/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-12-04 |title=Lana Del Rey Accepts Variety's Artist Of The Decade Award, Says She Wants To Collaborate With Migos |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2169754/lana-del-rey-accepts-varietys-artist-of-the-decade-award-says-she-wants-to-collaborate-with-migos/news/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Stereogum |language=en}}
File:Antonoff in Tucson (cropped).jpg is the only producer to be awarded with Variety
= Producers =
- 2024: Jack Antonoff{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-11-21 |title=Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Doechii, Daniel Nigro and Amy Allen to Be Honored at Variety's Hitmakers Event; Jack Antonoff Named Producer of the Decade |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/shaboozey-benson-boone-doechii-variety-hitmakers-1236216376/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Art |first=Pop Culture & |date=2024-12-05 |title=Jack Antonoff's decade of success: named Variety's Hitmakers producer of the decade |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2514052/jack-antonoffs-decade-of-success-named-varietys-hitmakers-producer-of-the-decade |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}
Variety's Producer of the Year Award
Variety
- 2018: Noah “40” Shebib{{Cite web |last=Bliss |first=Karen |date=2018-11-30 |title=Drake Collaborator Noah '40' Shebib Named Variety's Hitmakers Producer of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/features/drake-producer-noah-40-shebib-1203038949/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2019: Louis Bell{{Cite web |last=Angermiller |first=Michele Amabile |date=2021-01-13 |title=Post Malone Collaborator Louis Bell Sells Catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/louis-bell-universal-music-publishing-group-umpg-1234884763/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: Mustard{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Andrew |date=2020-12-03 |title=Mustard on the Beat: Hitmakers' Producer of the Year Says He's Just Getting Started |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/features/mustard-hitmakers-producer-of-the-year-1234844574/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Mike Dean{{Cite web |last=Eustice |first=Kyle |date=2021-12-03 |title=Producer of the Year Mike Dean on Kanye West's 'Chaotic' 'Donda' Sessions and Vibing With Lana Del Rey |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/features/mike-dean-kanye-west-pop-smoke-1235124905/#:~:text=Producer%20of%20the%20Year%20Mike%20Dean%20on,Sessions%20and%20Vibing%20With%20Lana%20Del%20Rey.&text=Dean,%20a%20six-time%20Grammy%20winner,%20has%20recently,Del%20Rey's%20eighth%20studio%20album,%20%E2%80%9CBlue%20Banisters.%E2%80%9D |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Ricky Reed{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=2022-11-21 |title=Dua Lipa and Elton John, Future, Lizzo, Selena Gomez Among Variety's 2022 Hitmakers; Annual Brunch to Honor Top Songs in Music |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/dua-lipa-elton-john-selena-gomez-variety-2022-hitmakers-1235438744/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Metro Boomin{{Cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |date=2023-11-27 |title=Metro Boomin on His Stellar Year: 'Heroes & Villains,' 'Spider-Verse' and Being Variety's Hitmakers Producer of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/metro-boomin-hitmakers-heroes-villains-spider-verse-1235809959/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: Daniel Nigro
Variety's Songwriter of the Year Award
File:AmyAllen 2024 IMG 0247.jpg]]
- 2018: Bebe Rexha{{Cite web |date=2018-12-03 |title=After receiving the award in "Variety", Bebe Rexha tears up during the speech: For me it's a Grammy |url=https://telegrafi.com/en/after-receiving-the-award-in-the-variety-show,-Rexha-bursts-into-tears-during-the-speech,-for-me-it's-a-Grammy/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Telegrafi |language=en}}
- 2019: Ryan Tedder{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2019-12-05 |title=Ryan Tedder on the Secrets of Leading Pop Fans Into Songland |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/ryan-tedder-songwriter-of-the-year-interview-1203426090/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: Lewis Capaldi{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2020-12-03 |title=Lewis Capaldi on Being 2020's King of Pain: 'I've Soundtracked the Worst Year of Many People's Lives!' |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/lewis-capaldi-hitmakers-songwriter-year-1234845068/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Olivia Rodrigo{{Cite web |last=Yuma |first=Jennifer |date=2021-12-05 |title=Avril Lavigne Presents Olivia Rodrigo With Variety Hitmakers' Songwriter of the Year Award: 'Her Songs Are Her Truth' |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/olivia-rodrigo-songwriter-of-the-year-variety-hitmakers-1235126415/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2022-12-01 |title=Harry Styles' 'House' Had Some Roommates: Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson on Making 2022's Most Ubiquitous Single, 'As It Was' |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/songwriters-kid-harpoon-tyler-johnson-hitmakers-harry-styles-1235447248/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Ashley Gorley{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2023-11-30 |title=Ashley Gorley, Variety's Songwriter of the Year, on Being Part of Country's Big Crossover Moment: 'There's a Lot More Freedom in This Genre Now' |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/ashley-gorley-hitmakers-songwriter-of-the-year-interview-1235815041/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: Amy Allen
Variety's Group of the Year Award
- 2018: Migos{{Cite web |last=Nyren |first=Erin |date=2018-12-02 |title=Variety's Hitmakers Brunch 2018 (Photos) |url=https://variety.com/gallery/variety-hitmakers-brunch-2018-photos/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2019: BTS{{Cite web |last=Allaire |first=Christian |date=2019-12-08 |title=BTS Suits Up in One of Their Favorite French Designer Labels |url=https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/article/bts-variety-hitmakers-red-carpet-suits#:~:text=Yesterday,%20BTS%20accepted%20their%20Group,including%20Artist%20of%20the%20Year. |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}
- 2020: BLACKPINK{{Cite web |last=Tangcay |first=Jazz |date=2020-12-03 |title=Blackpink Named Variety Hitmakers' Group of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/features/blackpink-group-of-the-year-hitmakers-1234845321/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Glass Animals{{Cite web |last=Iahn |first=Buddy |date=2022-05-03 |title=Universal Music Publishing Group signs Glass Animals' Dave Bayley |url=https://themusicuniverse.com/universal-music-publishing-group-signs-glass-animals-dave-bayley/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=The Music Universe |language=en}}
- 2022: Imagine Dragons{{Cite web |last=Reul |first=Katie |date=2022-12-04 |title=Imagine Dragons Thanks All the Record Labels Who Passed on Their Band at Variety's Hitmakers Awards |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/imagine-dragons-speech-atlantic-records-dan-reynolds-1235449519/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Boygenius{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2023-11-30 |title=Boy Power: The Women of Boygenius on the Joys of Nourishing a Supergroup Without the Superegos |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/boygenius-hitmakers-group-of-the-year-interview-1235813944/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Crossover Artist Award
File:Laufey ReithHumphreys1.jpg]]
- 2017: Hailee Steinfeld{{Cite web |date=2017-11-18 |title=Hailee Steinfeld Honored at Inaugural Variety Hitmakers Event |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kendrick-lamar-dj-khaled-hailee-231613640.html |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}
- 2019: Swae Lee{{Cite web |last=Amter |first=Charlie |date=2019-12-05 |title=Swae Lee Is 2019's Crossover King Thanks to 'Sunflower,' 'Close to Me' and Madonna |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/features/swae-lee-sunflower-1203423863/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: Maren Morris{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2020-12-03 |title=Maren Morris Finds a Happy Middle Between Pop and Country, as 'The Bones' Makes Her 2020's Crossover Artist of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/maren-morris-hitmakers-crossover-artist-year-bones-1234844635/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Kali Uchis{{Cite web |last=Amter |first=Charlie |date=2021-12-03 |title=Kali Uchis on 'Telepatia,' Her Ode to Virtual Lovemaking, and Its Journey to a Global Smash |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/musicians/kali-uchis-telepatia-sin-miedo-latin-crossover-1235124467/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: Laufey{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2024-12-05 |title=Laufey on Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Jazz Singing and Gen-Z Pop: Young Fans 'Connect More With a Vibe or an Energy Than a Genre' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/laufey-hitmakers-crossover-jazz-pop-singer-1236236885/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Record of the Year
- 2020: The Weeknd — “Blinding Lights”{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2020-12-04 |title=The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Is Variety's Hitmakers Record of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-blinding-lights-hitmakers-record-of-the-year-1234846143/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: BTS — "Butter"{{Cite web |last=Wass |first=Mike |date=2021-12-02 |title=Churning 'Butter': BTS' Mega-Hit Is Variety's Record of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/entertainers/bts-butter-record-of-the-year-1235123157/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Lizzo — "About Damn Time"{{Cite web |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=2022-12-02 |title='About Damn Time' to Dance: Lizzo's Infectious Hit Is Variety's Record of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/lizzo-about-damn-time-hitmakers-record-of-the-year-1235445433/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Label of the Year Award
- 2017: Republic Records{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |date=2017-11-21 |title=Hitmakers: From 'Despacito' to Post Malone, Republic Records Had (Another) Very Good Year |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/republic-records-umg-drake-zayn-taylor-swift-1202620132/#:~:text=With%20seven%20entries%20on%20BuzzAngle's,'%E2%80%9D |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2019: Republic Records{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2019-12-05 |title=Republic Records' Monte Lipman Talks Post Malone, Winning Hitmakers Label of the Year (Again) |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/post-malone-republic-records-monte-lipman-variety-hitmakers-1203424776/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Columbia Records{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |date=2021-12-03 |title=The Kid Laroi, Lil Nas X, Lil Tjay: Label of the Year Columbia Records Is Flooding the Charts With New Talent |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/features/columbia-records-adele-lil-nas-x-1235124943/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Atlantic Records{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2022-12-02 |title=Atlantic Records Chiefs Julie Greenwald and Craig Kallman Talk Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Their Big 2022, and What's Next |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/atlantic-records-julie-greenwald-craig-kallman-lizzo-jack-harlow-1235447419/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Republic Records{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2023-12-01 |title=Republic Records Chief Monte Lipman on Being Label of the Year, and Owning Nearly Half of the Hitmakers Top 25 |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/republic-records-monte-lipman-label-of-the-year-hitmakers-1235815621/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: REPUBLIC Corps Collective{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-12-07 |title=With Smashes From Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen and More, Republic Racks Up Another Dominant Year |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/republic-records-variety-hitmakers-label-of-the-year-2024-1236235937/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Shaboozey on the CwE 03.jpg
| image2 = Benson Boone performing at 2024 Jingle Ball LA.png
| total_width = 250
| footer = Shaboozey and Benson Boone,Variety's Newcomers of 2024
}}
- 2018: Dua Lipa{{Cite web |title=Dua Lipa named "Variety" Breakthrough Artist of the Year, says sophomore album will be "fun," "nostalgic" and "conceptual" |url=https://www.hot1017.com/2018/11/29/dua-lipa-named-variety-breakthrough-artist-of-the-year-says-sophomore-album-will-be-fun-nostalgic-and-conceptual/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Hot 1017 |language=en-US}}
- 2019: Megan Thee Stallion{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2019-12-05 |title=The Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Who Defined the Sound of 2019 |url=https://variety.com/gallery/hitmakers-megan-thee-stallion-swae-lee/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: Roddy Ricch{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Andrew |date=2020-12-02 |title=Roddy Ricch Is Variety's Breakthrough Artist of 2020 |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/roddy-ricch-variety-breakthrough-artist-hitmakers-please-excuse-me-for-being-antisocial-1234843745/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Polo G (presented as Rising Star Award){{Cite web |last=Diehl |first=Matt |date=2021-12-04 |title=The People's Choice: Rapper Polo G Is 2021's Rising Star |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/musicians/polo-g-rapstar-tiktok-hall-of-fame-1235125882/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Latto{{Cite web |last=Bolden |first=Janee |date=2022-12-03 |title=How 'Big Energy' Helped Latto Capture the Charts — and a Grammys Best New Artist Nod |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/latto-big-energy-hitmakers-breakthrough-artist-of-the-year-1235446525/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Sabrina Carpenter (presented as Rising Star Award){{Cite web |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |date=2023-11-29 |title=Sabrina Carpenter, Eslabon Armado, Ashley Gorley and Victoria Monét Join Variety's Hitmakers Event As Honorees |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-victoria-monet-hitmakers-1235813464/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: Shaboozey and Benson Boone (presented as Newcomers Award)
Variety's Innovators of the Year Award
- 2018: Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “Pee” Thomas of Quality Control.{{Cite web |last=Donnelly |first=Matt |date=2018-12-01 |title=Brunch Turn Up: Variety Toasts Hitmakers Dua Lipa, Offset, Bebe Rexha in Broad Daylight |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/hitmakers-dua-lipa-offset-bebe-rexha-1203071304/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Lil Nas X{{Cite web |title=Lil Nas X Says He 'Had a Lot of Fun Pissing People Off' This Year as He Accepts Innovator Award |url=https://people.com/music/lil-nas-x-says-he-had-a-lot-of-fun-pissing-people-off-this-year-as-he-accepts-innovator-award/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=People.com |language=en}}
- 2022: Kim Petras and Sam Smith{{Cite web |title=Variety's Hitmakers |url=https://cfjctoday.com/2022/11/22/varietys-hitmakers/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=CFJC Today Kamloops |language=en}}
Variety's Changemaker of the Year Award
File:Jellyroll Performing at Global Citizen Festival – September 28, 2024 (cropped).jpg]]
- 2023: Maren Morris{{Cite web |last=Zee |first=Michaela |date=2023-11-06 |title=SZA Named Variety's 2023 Hitmaker of the Year; Olivia Rodrigo, Metro Boomin and Boygenius Among Honorees |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/sza-olivia-rodrigo-boygenius-variety-2023-hitmakers-1235780945/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Maren Morris Praises 'Brave' Female Musicians Who Refused to 'Shut Up and Sing' in Variety Changemaker Speech |url=https://people.com/maren-morris-accepts-variety-2023-changemaker-award-8410163#:~:text=Maren%20Morris%20is%20giving%20credit,female%20artists%20who%20inspire%20her. |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=People.com |language=en}}
- 2024: Jelly Roll — for his work with the incarcerated and addiction recovery.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-10-29 |title=RAYE, Jelly Roll and Quavo to Be Honored at Variety's Hitmakers Event |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/quavo-jelly-roll-raye-variety-hitmakers-event-1236193601/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Collaborator of the Year Award
- 2021: Normani{{Cite web |last=Mazurek |first=Brooke |date=2021-12-03 |title=Normani on Becoming R&B's Go-To Collaborator, and Why Her Album Will Be Worth the Wait |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/musicians/normani-motivation-wild-side-cardi-b-1235124480/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Future{{Cite web |last=Bolden |first=Janee |date=2022-12-03 |title=From 'Wait For U' to 'Wakanda Forever,' Future Is Having a Fruitful, Collab-Heavy Year |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/future-rapper-collaborations-drake-tems-gunna-young-thug-1235446529/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Eslabon Armado & Peso Pluma{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=2023-11-27 |title=How Eslabon Armado's 'Ella Baila Sola' Became the Official Song of Música Mexicana's Chart-Busting Year |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/eslabon-armado-ella-baila-sola-hitmakers-collaboration-1235809895/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Storyteller of the Year Award
- 2023: Olivia Rodrigo{{Cite web |date=2023-12-02 |title=Olivia Rodrigo Shares Her Advice On How She Fought 'The Dread' Of Pleasing Everyone While Writing Her Music |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/olivia-rodrigo-hitmakers-speech-fought-the-dread-guts-1235818079/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: Lainey Wilson{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2024-12-05 |title=Country Superstar Lainey Wilson on Wanting to Be Not Just an Entertainer but a Storyteller, With 'Stories That Outlive Me' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/lainey-wilson-hitmakers-whirlwind-yellowstone-interview-1236236545/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Hook of the Year Award
- 2019: YG — “Go Loko” (feat. Tyga and Jon Z){{Cite web |last=Ju |first=Shirley |date=2019-12-04 |title=How YG, Tyga and Mustard Came Up With the Irresistible Hook to 'Go Loko' |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/features/yg-go-loko-hook-of-the-year-1203423392/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: The Weeknd — "Blinding Lights"{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2021-03-08 |title=The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Becomes First Song to Spend a Full Year in the Billboard Top 10 |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/weeknd-blinding-lights-year-billboard-top-10-1234925078/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Film Song of the Year
- 2021: Billie Eilish and FINNEAS — “No Time to Die”{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2021-12-03 |title=Billie Eilish and Finneas on 'No Time to Die,' a Bond Theme That Really Might Have Eternal Life |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/musicians/billie-eilish-finneas-no-time-to-die-james-bond-1235124445/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Selena Gomez — "My Mind & Me"{{Cite web |date=2022-12-02 |title=Selena Gomez Talks About the Message of Empathy Behind Her Hit Song, 'My Mind & Me' |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/selena-gomez-talks-empathy-my-mind-and-me-1235448367/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2023: Billie Eilish and FINNEAS — “What Was I Made For”{{Cite web |last=Elizabeth |first=De |date=2021-12-05 |title=Billie Eilish Wore a Floor-Length Quilted Coat on the Red Carpet |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-variety-hitmakers-brunch |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Teen Vogue |language=en-US}}
Variety's Sync of the Year Award
- 2019: SHAED — "Trampoline"{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |date=2019-12-06 |title=Growing Shaed: How 2019's Top Alternative Hit Was Launched, 'Doubters' Be Damned |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/shaed-label-photo-finish-matt-galle-interview-1203426993/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Walker Hayes — "Fancy Like"{{Cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=2021-12-05 |title=How 'Fancy Like,' Walker Hayes' Ode to Fine Dining at Applebee's, Became the Accidental Sync of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/walker-hayes-fancy-like-applebees-1235125037/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Kate Bush — "Running Up That Hill"{{Cite web |date=2022-12-02 |title=How Sony Music Publishing's Amy Coles Helped Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' Become the Runaway Hit of 2022 |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/kate-bush-running-up-that-hill-sony-music-publishing-amy-coles-1235446541/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Triple Threat Award
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- 2023: Victoria Monet — for her role as a singer, songwriter and performer.{{Cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |date=2023-12-01 |title=Victoria Monét Proves Why She's a Triple Threat: 'I Feel Like It's Definitely Uphill Right Now' |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/victoria-monet-triple-threat-jaguar-ii-grammys-1235815524/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2024: RAYE — for her work as an artist and songwriter, and her outspoken efforts in support of the songwriting community.
Variety's Manager of the Year Award
- 2018: Dre London{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |date=2018-11-30 |title=Dre London Is the Post Malone Whisperer and Variety's Hitmakers Manager of the Year |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/features/post-malone-manager-dre-london-1203039120/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2019: Jason Owen{{Cite web |last=Herman |first=James Patrick |date=2019-12-05 |title=Music's Top Manager Has His Finger on the Pulse Thousands of Miles From the Coasts |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/features/jason-owen-hitmakers-manager-of-the-year-1203424080/#:~:text=Jason%20Owen%20is%20Variety's%202019%20Hitmakers%20Manager%20of%20the%20Year |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2020: Wassim “Sal” Slaiby{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2020-12-03 |title=Super-Manager Wassim 'Sal' Slaiby on Helming the Careers of The Weeknd, Doja Cat, Brandy and More |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/sal-slaiby-weeknd-doja-cat-brandy-manager-hitmakers-1234844345/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2021: Austin Rosen{{Cite web |last=Wass |first=Mike |date=2021-12-04 |title=With Post Malone, 24kGoldn, Iann Dior and More, Austin Rosen's Electric Feel Is a Hitmaking Powerhouse |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/features/electric-feel-post-malone-24kgoldn-1235125013/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Ebonie Ward{{Cite web |date=2022-12-03 |title=Manager of the Year Ebonie Ward Pushes Positivity With Roster That Includes Future, Gunna and Flo Milli |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/manager-ebonie-ward-future-gunna-flo-milli-hitmakers-1235446539/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's Executive of the Year Award
- 2018: John Janick, Chief of Interscope Records
- 2019: Jody Gerson, CEO/Global Chairman of Universal Music Publishing Group
- 2020: Ron Perry, CEO/Chairman for Columbia Records
- 2021: Max Lousada, CEO for Warner Recorded Music
- 2022: Jesse Collins, CEO, Jesse Collins Entertainment
- 2024: Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson, CEOs of Warner Records{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-12-03 |title=Lainey Wilson, Laufey, Young Miko to Be Honored at Variety's Eighth Annual Hitmakers Event |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/lainey-wilson-laufey-young-miko-honored-variety-hitmakers-1236232921/?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Variety's A&R of the Year Award
- 2021: Wendy Goldstein{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2021-12-02 |title=Republic Records Co-President Wendy Goldstein Talks Ariana Grande, the Weeknd, and the Art of A&R |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/republic-records-wendy-goldstein-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-1235124568/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
- 2022: Kara DioGuardi{{Cite web |last=Angermiller |first=Michele Amabile |date=2022-12-02 |title=With Gayle's 'Abcdefu,' Kara DioGuardi's Run as a Top A&R Executive Enters Third Decade |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/gayle-abcdefu-kara-dioguardi-a-and-r-executive-1235446533/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
Other honorees
Awards that have been presented only once so far:
= Variety's Mediabase PowerPlaylist Award =
- 2017: DJ Khaled{{Cite web |last=Baltin |first=Steve |title=Variety Celebrates 'Hitmakers' Kendrick Lamar, DJ Khaled |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2017/11/22/variety-launches-hitmakers-music-franchise-with-kendrick-lamar-dj-khaled/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Forbes |language=en}}
= Variety's The Future Is Female Award =
- 2021: City Girls{{Cite web |date=2021-12-05 |title=City Girls Give Hilarious Speech While Accepting Their 'Future Is Female' Award: 'Some Days We Want To Be Rappers. Next Day We Want To Be With Our Men' |url=https://blackamericaweb.com/2021/12/05/city-girls-give-hilarious-speech-while-accepting-their-future-is-female-award-some-days-we-want-to-be-rappers-next-day-we-want-to-be-with-our-men/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Black America Web |language=en-US}}
= Variety's Hitbreaker of the Year Award =
- 2021: Steven Victor{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Jordan |date=2021-12-04 |title=Variety's Hitbreaker of the Year, Steven Victor, on Pop Smoke's Bittersweet Success |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/entertainment-industry/steven-victor-pop-smoke-what-you-know-bout-love-for-the-night-1235125865/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
= Variety's Composer of the Year Award =
= Variety's TikTok Future Icon Award =
- 2022: Omar Apollo{{Cite web |date=2022-12-02 |title=Congratulations to Omar Apollo for winning Variety Hitmakers 'TikTok Future Icon Award' |url=https://www.warnerrecords.com/news/congratulations-omar-apollo-winning-variety-hitmakers-tiktok-future-icon-award |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.warnerrecords.com |language=en}}
= Variety's Soundtrack of the Year Award =
= Variety's Music Education and Advocacy Leadership Award =
- 2023: Grammy Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka{{Cite web |last=Korrs |first=Ivan |date=2023-11-06 |title=Variety Hitmakers Celebration Honorees 2023: SZA, Boygenius, Olivia Rodrigo, More! |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/97563/20231106/variety-hitmakers-celebration-winners-2023-sza-boygenius-olivia-rodrigo-more.htm |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Music Times |language=en-US}}
= Variety's Hip-Hop Disruptor Award =
- 2024: Doechii
= Variety's Trailblazer Award =
- 2024: Young Miko{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=2024-12-05 |title=In Her Own League: Young Miko Unpacks Her Grammy-Nominated Debut Album, What She Hopes to Represent and the 'Miko Effect' |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/young-miko-grammy-nomination-att-debut-1236235606/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
= Variety's Next Gen Award =
= Variety's Humanitarian of the Year Award =
- 2024: Quavo — for his work in gun control.{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=DeMicia |date=2024-12-09 |title=Quavo Named Humanitarian Of The Year At Variety's 2024 Hitmakers Brunch |url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/quavo-named-humanitarian-of-the-year-at-varietys-2024-hitmakers-brunch-1234957129/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}
= Variety’s International Achievement in Music Award =
- 2024: Yoshiki{{Cite web |last=Earl |first=William |date=2024-11-25 |title=Yoshiki to Be Presented With Variety's International Achievement in Music Honor |url=https://variety.com/2024/biz/news/yoshiki-international-achievement-in-music-1236222739/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
The Hitmakers
To make their annual Hitmakers list, the Variety’s editors, use BuzzAngle data for the most-consumed songs of year, based on audio sales and streams, video plays, radio spins and Shazam tags. The editors then conferred with top executives and creatives from across the music business to find the players whose input was most vital to those songs. They included songwriters, producers, publishers, A&R and promotion executives, along with managers and key influencers — the people behind the scenes who make and break the hits.
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! style="background:#EEDD82; width=50%" |Variety's 2017 Hitmakers{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Jacob |date=2017-11-21 |title=Variety's 2017 Hitmakers |url=https://variety.com/gallery/varietys-2017-hitmakers/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} ! style="background:#EEDD82; width=50%" |Variety's 2018 Hitmakers{{Cite web |last=Doperalski |first=Daniel |date=2018-11-29 |title=Variety's 2018 Hitmakers |url=https://variety.com/gallery/hitmakers-2018-variety/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} ! style="background:#EEDD82; width=50%" |Variety's 2019 Hitmakers{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2019-12-05 |title=Variety's 2019 Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Revealed |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/variety-hitmakers-2019-full-list-1203425762/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} |
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style="background:#EEDD82; width=50%" |Variety's Hitmakers 2020{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2020-12-03 |title=Making the Cut: Variety's 2020 Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Revealed |url=https://variety.com/lists/hitmakers-2020-full-list/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
! style="background:#EEDD82; width=50%" |Variety's Hitmakers 2021{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2021-12-02 |title=Variety's 2021 Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Revealed |url=https://variety.com/lists/hitmakers-2021-list/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} ! style="background:#EEDD82; width=50%" |Variety's Hitmakers 2022{{Cite web |author=Variety Staff |date=2022-12-01 |title=Variety's 2022 Hitmakers and Hitbreakers Revealed |url=https://variety.com/lists/variety-hitmakers-2022/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} |
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