In the lead up to the APRA Music Awards each year, five nominees are announced in each of the following categories:
| Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year |
| Most Played Australian Work |
| International Work of the Year |
| Country Work of the Year |
| Blues & Roots Work of the Year |
| Urban Work of the Year |
| Dance Work of the Year |
| Rock Work of the Year |
| Song of the Year |