ACUM honors Israel's finest

Host Uri Gottlieb stole the show at The Israel Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers of Musical Works (ACUM) awards ceremony Wednesday night with his comic interludes between the prize givings.

The popular comedian entertained the audience at the Zionist Organization of America House in Tel Aviv during a relatively low-key awards ceremony that honored Israeli musicians and writers.

Talma Aligon and Meir Goldberg won the Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contribution to Israeli music over the years. Aligon was close to tears during a lengthy and emotional acceptance speech after receiving the award from music legend Yehoram Gaon. Goldberg kept his speech somewhat shorter, but was also grateful for the recognition by ACUM.

Other notable awards went to Lona Abu Nasar, the first Arab singer to win the external Aharon Geffen prize to artists in need of funds to complete their albums.

“I am very proud that this award in my father’s name is going to an Arab singer for the first time,” said Geffen’s son Ran as he handed her the award.

Riff Cohen was awarded the prize for breakthrough artist of the year. Before the ceremony at a reception with the winners, she told The Jerusalem Post that it was a big honor to be recognized for all her hard work over the years. She spoke about her ambitious plans for the coming year, including a new album and performances in France.

The evening began with a tribute to Shmulik Kraus, who died earlier this month, with an emotional rendition of his classic hit “After 20 years” with the lyrics appearing on a large screen, while photos of the iconic musician appeared in the background.

Amir Banyon performed a rendition of “You,” which won the Moshe Levinsky Prize for song of the year, while Dudu Aharon, who also collected an award for composer of the year, performed a slow Mizrahi number. Shiri Maimon, who was heavily pregnant, also performed on stage.

LIST OF WINNERS:

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Talma Aligon and Meir Goldberg

Moshe Levinsky Prize for Song of the Year: “You” performed by Yishai Levi, lyrics and composition by Amir Banyon, arrangement by Ya’acov Lamay

Composer of the Year: Shlomo Artzi Dudu Aharon Tomer Hadadi

Writer of the Year: Yoav Ginay

Arranger of the Year: Balkan Beat Box

Breakthrough Artist: Riff Cohen

Aharon Geffen Prize: Lona Abu Nasar

Original audio visual soundtrack for children: Ofra and Idan Anav for “Songs and Signs Project”

Hasidic music producer: Yishai Lapidot

Most-played foreign-language song: “Somebody that I used to know,” by Gotye featuring Kimbra

Directorate special prize: Yehuda Caesar

Directorate producer prize: Alex Weiss Martin Moskowitz