q awards: old people with long careers only

q icon award - u2

q classic songwriter award - elton john

q inspiration award - pet shop boys

q innovation in sound award - human league

q merit award - shane mcgowan

of course, these were among a few more contemporary awards that had lists of nominees, to be fair. but SIX awards where q just give a dignified elder a slap on the back. isn't there normally just one or two of these things at awards ceremonies?