Americana Music Awards Nominations 2012 Led by Jason Isbell, Gillian Welch

At a ceremony in Los Angeles today (May 31), actor and music lover John C. Reilly helped unveil the nominees for the 2012 Americana Music Honors and Awards. Jason Isbell leads the pack with four nods, while Gillian Welch scored three nominations. Both are nominated for Artist of the Year, along with Hayes Carll and Justin Townes Earle (See the full list of nominees below.)

Today's event, presided over by longtime Americana Honors and Awards Show host Jim Lauderdale at the Grammy Museum's Clive Davis Theatre, featured performances by Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and Emerging Artist of the Year nominee Robert Ellis, alongside the Americana All-Star band led by Buddy Miller. Poignantly, late artists Levon Helm, Earl Scruggs and Doc Watson were paid tribute with a rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken."

The Americana Music Honors & Awards Show returns to Nashville's Ryman Auditorium Sept. 12, 2012, as part of the Americana Music Festival running Sept. 12-15. The ceremony will once again be hosted by Jim Lauderdale, with Buddy Miller leading the All-Star Band.

Americana Music Honors & Awards 2012 Nominees:

Album of the Year

Here We Rest, Jason Isbell

I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive, Steve Earle

The Harrow & The Harvest, Gillian Welch

This One's For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark, Various Artists

Artist of the Year

Gillian Welch

Hayes Carll

Jason Isbell

Justin Townes Earle

Emerging Artist of the Year

Alabama Shakes

Dawes

Deep Dark Woods

Robert Ellis

Song of the Year

"Alabama Pines," written by Jason Isbell and performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

"Come Around," written and performed by Sarah Jarosz

"I Love," written by Tom T. Hall and performed by Patty Griffin

"Waiting on the Sky to Fall," written and performed by Steve Earle

Instrumentalist of the Year

Buddy Miller

Chris Thile

Darrell Scott

Dave Rawlings

Duo/Group of the Year

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Civil Wars

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Punch Brothers