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National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum ®
The American West

Honoring the stories & the people of

The American West

The Western Heritage Awards recognize the best creators in literature, music, television and film who share their vision of the West, and enshrine the pioneers and performers who have built an enduring Western cultural legacy.

Every year since 1961, the Western Heritage Awards have focused on preserving what makes the West a unique part of the American story.

Inductees & Winners Event History About the Awards Year-by-Year

Why We Do This

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was founded on the ideal of telling the stories of the American West.

Wrangler Award

The Western Heritage Award ceremony honors those storytellers and has each year since 1961. We showcase the writers, singers, producers, directors, and performers who bring the West to life on our screens and in our imaginations.

Through the years, the Western Heritage Awards stage in Oklahoma City has featured humble acceptance speeches from some of the biggest names in entertainment as they are handed our coveted Wrangler Award (right).

When you think of a “Western,” you are thinking about the icons who have been honored by the Western Heritage Awards.

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Reba McEntire

In 2024, the Western Heritage Awards honored Reba McEntire with our Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reba’s career is a tapestry of heart, resilience and timeless country charm. From her roots in Oklahoma to the world stage, Reba’s voice resonates with authenticity and warmth. Beyond music, she’s shown her versatility in acting and business, always with grace and a down-to-earth spirit.

Western Heritage Awards Class of 2024

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Watch Reba McEntire’s 2024 Western Heritage Awards speech