Sir Paul McCartney honours Bruce Springsteen at 2024 Ivor Novello Awards - 20 ... trends now

Bruce Springsteen appeared in high spirits on Thursday evening as he was presented the Academy Fellowship Award by pal Sir Paul McCartney at the star-studded Ivor Novello Awards.

The musician, 74, dressed to impress in a black suit, shirt and tie during the ceremony, which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Presenting the prize, Paul jokingly said: 'Like Bruce's concerts, I'm going to keep this brief,' before adding he: 'couldn't think of a more fitting recipient except maybe Bob Dylan, or Paul Simon, or Billy Joel, or Beyoncé, or Taylor Swift. The list goes on.'

He continued: 'He's known as the American working man but he admits he's never worked a day in his life.'

Accepting the award, Bruce hugged the former Beatle and referenced his 'long and wonderful history' in the UK, thanking the 'extraordinary' fans for supporting him. 

Bruce proudly showed off the trophy backstage alongside Paul, who won the same award 20 years ago.

The American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist was later pictured relaxing in a car as he left the venue with his new prized possession. 

Earlier in the evening, celebs such as Rebecca Ferguson, Raye and Blur legend Alex James hit the red carpet before the ceremony. 

British singer-songwriter Raye will seek to continue her winning streak as her debut record is among those nominated for the Ivor Novello Awards' prestigious best album prize.

Her chart-topping album My 21st Century Blues, which picked up the best album BRIT Award earlier this year, has been shortlisted alongside Irish singer CMAT's Crazymad, For Me; London jazz musician Yussef Dayes' Black Classical Music; Irish folk group Lankum's False Lankum and London-born musician Sampha's second album Lahai.

Harry Styles , Fred Again, Jungle, PinkPantheress and Ice Spice are also among the artists who have received nominations, which were announced on Tuesday during a ceremony in London.

The Ivor nod for Londoner Raye continues an impressive 12 months which has included her making BRIT Awards history by winning six gongs in March, the most of any artist in one year, and receiving a Mercury Prize nomination for My 21st Century Blues.

She was previously nominated for two Ivors in 2022 and took home the best contemporary song award last year for her viral hit Escapism.

Leading the pack this year with two nominations each are Sampha and Yussef Dayes, who both receive a second nod in the best song musically and lyrically category for co-writing Sampha's track Spirit 2.0.