Marcel Bezençon Awards
Honoring the best competing songs in the final.
The Marcel Bezençon Awards were first handed out during the Eurovision Song Contest 2002 in Tallinn, Estonia. Founded by Christer Björkman (Sweden's representative in the Eurovision Song Contest 1992 and Head of Delegation for Sweden until 2021) and Richard Herrey (member of Herreys, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1984 for Sweden), these honors recognize the best competing songs in the final. Named after Marcel Bezençon, the creator of the annual competition, the awards are an independent initiative and are not officially sanctioned by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Although they honor top entries from the main event, the trophies are not presented during the Eurovision final itself; instead, they have been handed out during the official afterparty or, beginning with the 2009 contest, prior to the final.
- First Awarded
- Eurovision Song Contest 2002
- Founders
- Christer Björkman and Richard Herrey
- Sanctioning Body
- None (independent initiative)
- Presentation Timing
- Official afterparty (until 2008), Prior to the final (from 2009)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The awards rely on specific voting panels rather than public televoting. The Media Award is given to the best entry as voted on by accredited media and press during the event. The Artistic Award has evolved over time: until 2009, it was voted on by previous winners of the contest, but since 2010, show commentators have replaced them as the selection jury to present this award to the best artist. The Composer Award was introduced in 2003 and involves a jury consisting entirely of accredited press and journalists who vote for the best and most original composition. In 2008, a special one-off Poplight Fan Award was presented, determined by fans on the Swedish website Poplight.se and given to their favorite artist overall, without restrictions for debutants or age under 25.
In Their Own Story
The history of these awards reflects changing traditions within Eurovision week. The ceremony began in Tallinn in 2002, establishing a new way to honor song quality alongside the main competition. A significant shift occurred regarding the Artistic Award's voters; prior to 2010, the responsibility lay with past winners, but from 2010 onward, commentators took over this role. The Composer Award was first presented in 2004, effectively replacing a Fan Award that had existed previously. Between 2005 and 2015, Sveriges Television (SVT) adopted the format for its national selection, Melodifestivalen, presenting these same awards to songs competing in that contest's final.
Reader's Guide
To understand how winners are selected, one must look at the three core categories. The Media Award reflects the opinion of accredited press and media present at the event. The Artistic Award focuses on performance quality; note that before 2010, previous winners chose this winner, while from 2010 onwards, show commentators decided it. The Composer Award is unique as it is voted on by a jury of participating composers looking for originality and musical strength. If you are tracking historical data, remember the Poplight Fan Award was a single occurrence in 2008 for debuting artists under 25. Also, be aware that while sanctioned by the EBU, the physical presentation happens off-stage from the main final, either at the afterparty or immediately before the broadcast starting in 2009.
Did You Know?
- The awards were founded by Christer Björkman, who was Sweden's representative in 1992 and Head of Delegation until 2021.
- Richard Herrey, a co-founder, won the Eurovision Song Contest for Sweden in 1984 with the group Herreys.
- Until 2009, the Artistic Award was voted on by previous winners of the contest; since 2010, show commentators have selected the winner.
- The Composer Award was first presented in 2003, not alongside the other categories in 2002.
- Between 2005 and 2015, Sveriges Television (SVT) awarded Marcel Bezençon Awards during its national selection, Melodifestivalen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Marcel Bezençon Awards?
These honors celebrate the top competing songs performed during the Eurovision Song Contest final. They serve as a prestigious recognition separate from the main voting results.
Who founded the Marcel Bezençon Awards?
The initiative was launched by Swedish Eurovision veterans Christer Björkman and Richard Herrey to honor musical excellence within the competition. Both men have deep historical ties to Sweden's participation in the event.
Are the Marcel Bezençon Awards official Eurovision prizes?
No, they are an independent project created by fans and professionals rather than being sanctioned by the European Broadcasting Union. This means they operate outside the official rules of the contest itself.
When did the Marcel Bezençon Awards start?
The first ceremony took place during the 2002 contest held in Tallinn, Estonia. Since then, they have been presented annually alongside the main competition events.
Why are they named after Marcel Bezençon?
The awards bear the name of Marcel Bezençon because he was the original creator responsible for establishing the Eurovision Song Contest decades ago. Naming them after him pays tribute to his foundational role in European broadcasting history.
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