With big names like Dan + Shay, Luke Combs, Lauren Alaina and Carly Pearce, it's no wonder this year's ACM Honors is considered one of the industry's favorite nights.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists turned to the studio for therapy and as an escape, since touring and live events had been canceled throughout the world.

The 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors marked a special night for the country music industry, as the spotlight panned to the hard-working songwriters and producers who bring music to life.

The event took place on Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium and was hosted by two-time ACM Award winner Carly Pearce.

The winners of the prestigious awards from this year's ceremony stood out more than ever, as many incredible people stepped up to keep the music industry alive in a historically quiet year.

This year, the Cliff Stone Icon recipients included Joe Galante and iconic group Rascal Flatts. Galante received the award for his contributions as a country music executive for more than four decades. He helped shape the careers of Keith Whitley, The Judds, Kenny Chesney and more.

Dan + Shay won the ACM Jim Reeves International Award for their global contributions to country music. Their mark in the country music world is undeniable with recent worldwide hits include "Speechless," "Tequila," "10,000 Hours," and more.

For their generosity and philanthropic work during the devastating events of 2020, both Lady A and Ross Copperman were awarded with this year's Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award.

Other award recipients throughout the night included Luke Combs, RAC Clark, Hillary Lindsey and more. The uplifting event truly captured a positive moment of reflection for every corner of country music.

If you're looking to catch backstage moments and the winners chat about their comeback tours, click here.

Circle Network will air a television special around the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors on Tuesday, November 23rd.