What Is 2019 UK Music Video Awards

Overview

The 2019 UK Music Video Awards celebrated excellence in music video production, recognizing directors, artists, and creative teams behind standout visual projects. Held annually, the event highlights innovation in storytelling, cinematography, and artistic direction within the music industry.

This year’s ceremony emphasized diversity in genre and vision, honoring both mainstream hits and underground artistry. The event brought together top names from the UK music scene and global creators, reinforcing the UK’s influence in music video innovation.

• October 24, 2019 marked the official date of the ceremony, hosted at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in central London.
• The awards recognized over 32 individual honors across categories such as Best Pop Video, Best Rock Video, and Best Live Session.
• Stormzy’s 'Crown' won Best Urban Video, praised for its powerful imagery and cultural resonance in British grime music.
• FKA twigs earned the Best Art Director award for 'Holy Wine', a visually intricate and emotionally charged production.
• International recognition was strong, with Billie Eilish’s 'When the Party’s Over' claiming Best International Video.

How It Works

The UK Music Video Awards evaluate entries based on creativity, technical execution, and cultural impact. A panel of industry professionals reviews submissions across multiple categories, selecting winners through a combination of jury assessment and peer voting.

• Eligibility Period: Videos released between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, were eligible for consideration in the 2019 awards.
• Jury Composition: The judging panel included directors, producers, music video commissioners, and representatives from the UK Music Video Awards Academy.
• Submission Process: Artists, labels, or directors could submit entries online, with a fee of £75 per video for the first entry and reduced rates for additional submissions.
• Category Breakdown: Awards were divided into genre (Pop, Rock, Urban), technical (Editing, Cinematography), and special honors (Best Choreography, Best Animation).
• Voting Rounds: Shortlisted entries underwent two voting rounds—one by the Academy and one by a public online vote for select fan-choice categories.
• Award Ceremony: Winners were announced live at the October 24 event, with over 500 attendees including nominees, industry executives, and media.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key winners and nominees in major categories at the 2019 UK Music Video Awards:

The table illustrates a blend of UK talent and global reach, with directors like Carlos López Estrada winning multiple awards. The diversity of genres and visual styles underscores the event’s role in spotlighting creative excellence across the music video landscape.

Why It Matters

The 2019 UK Music Video Awards played a crucial role in elevating music video as a legitimate art form and career milestone for directors and creatives. By recognizing technical and artistic achievements, the awards validate the importance of visual storytelling in modern music.

• Industry Recognition: Winning or being nominated boosts a director’s profile, often leading to high-profile commissions and brand collaborations.
• Cultural Impact: Videos like Stormzy’s 'Crown' reflect social themes, contributing to broader conversations on race and identity in the UK.
• Global Exposure: International categories help UK artists gain visibility abroad while attracting global talent to the UK music scene.
• Innovation Incentive: The awards encourage experimental techniques in animation, cinematography, and narrative structure.
• Support for Emerging Talent: Categories like Best New Director spotlight up-and-coming creators, fostering diversity in the industry.
• Historical Record: The awards serve as an annual archive of music video trends, documenting shifts in style, technology, and cultural expression.

As music continues to evolve visually, events like the UK Music Video Awards ensure that the artistry behind the scenes receives the acclaim it deserves.