Artist and activist Common received SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange's inaugural Artist Impact Award on 24 September, honouring artists whose work crosses creative boundaries across music, film, television and media. The award recognises contributions that have shaped culture and inspired new forms of storytelling. Leaders from both organisations hope that celebrating such multi-disciplinary artists will encourage others to work across different creative fields and inspire broader societal change.

SoundExchange distributes approximately $50 million (5% of its annual collections) annually to SAG-AFTRA to ensure non-featured performers, including background singers and session musicians, receive proper royalties from digital platform usage. The award stems from a partnership spanning more than two decades, with the ceremony hosted by Andra Day, Rebecca Ferguson, Janelle Monáe and Questlove. Common, described as a musician, actor, author, producer, entrepreneur and activist, stated the award inspires him to continue his work elevating others rather than seeking recognition for activism.