The 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated some of the genre’s biggest and brightest stars Sunday (May 17) at the MGM Grande Garden Arena in Las Vegas. They first arrived on the red carpet to show off their finery, but many — including Lainey Wilson, Avery Anna, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top and Ashley McBryde — also swung by the Boot Barn portrait studio to strike a pose, and Billboard has an exclusive look at some of the best snaps below.
Going into the 61st annual ceremony, women led the way in nominations, with Megan Moroney and her nine nods at the front of the pack, followed by Miranda Lambert with eight and Wilson and Ella Langley boasting seven. The evening went on to be dominated by the ladies. The show — helmed by first-time host Shania Twain — kicked off with Wilson performing her new song, “Can’t Sit Still.”
The big winner of the night was “Be Her” singer Langley, who dominated with seven wins, including song of the year and single of the year for her hit “Choosin’ Texas,” as well as female artist of the year. Cody Johnson also had a big night, taking home male artist of the year as well as a surprise win in the entertainer of the year category, beating out superstars Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and Moroney.
In addition to Wilson kicking off the show with her set, the 2026 ACM Awards also featured performances from Avery Anna, Langley, Dan + Shay, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Zach Top and more.
If you missed the ceremony Sunday night, the show is available to stream on Prime Video.
The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.
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Ashley Cooke
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Ashley Cooke
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Willow Avalon
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Willow Avalon
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Zach Top
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Zach Top
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Old Dominion
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Old Dominion
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Avery Anna
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Avery Anna
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LeeAnn Womack
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba LeeAnn Womack
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Ian Munsick
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Ian Munsick
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Ashley McBryde
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Ashley McBryde
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Dasha
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Dasha
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Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Markell
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Hannah Godwin
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Hannah Godwin
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Cody Johnson
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Cody Johnson
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Tucker Wetmore
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Tucker Wetmore
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Carter Faith
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Carter Faith
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Taylor Williams and Clarke Carraway
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Taylor Williams and Clarke Carraway
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Tyler Cameron
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Tyler Cameron
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Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Margo
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Lainey Wilson
Image Credit: Maddie Córdoba Lainey Wilson
