Steve Martin - Steve Martin Hands Over Second Banjo Award

The actor, who recently formed his own bluegrass group, The Steep Canyon Ranchers, applauded Sammy Shelor's talents and gifted him the second Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. The honour comes with a $50,000 (£31,250) cash prize.

Martin, speaking about the selection process to the New York Times, reveals he and a few other board members narrowed down the list of worthy candidates to a few musicians based on a number of "anecdotal factors and emotional factors that are very hard to define and probably wouldn't bear up in a trial".

Shelor was ultimately recognised and given the lump sum, as well as a special bronze sculpture created by acclaimed artist Eric Fischl.

Last year's recipient was Punch Brothers banjo player Noam Pikelny.