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.

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.

2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

Brooks & Dunn

In 2025, the Western Heritage Awards honored Broosk & Dunn with our Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brooks & Dunn are a legendary country music duo composed of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, known for their high-energy performances and a string of chart-topping hits since their 1991 debut. With a sound that blends honky-tonk and rock influences, they’ve earned numerous awards and helped define ’90s country music.