A 1984 American Video Awards "Best Soul Video" trophy presented to Prince for his hit 'When Doves Cry,' comprising three metal statuettes in the form of the letters "AVA" set upon a black wooden base, which bears an engraved plaque on the front: "American Video Award, 1984, Best Soul Video, 'When Doves Cry,' Prince." In very good to fine condition, with general wear to the base, and some scuffing and tarnishing to the metal letter statuettes, which are also somewhat loose. Although Prince did not show up to the event, this trophy made its way into his possession, and he subsequently gifted it to one of his close associates.
The American Video Awards, which existed from 1983 to 1987, was an annual music video award show taped and distributed for television. The Third Annual American Video Awards, which honored videos released throughout 1984, took place on April 3, 1985, hosted by Casey Kasem, Herbie Hancock, and Lisa Hartman. In addition to Prince's victory for 'When Doves Cry,' notable awards included "Best Pop Video" for Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time,' and "Best Long Form Video" and "Best Home Video" for Michael Jackson's 'The Making of Thriller.' 'When Doves Cry,' considered a staple of Prince's vast repertoire, was released as the lead single from his blockbuster Purple Rain album and topped the charts for five weeks to become his first American number one hit. The iconic video, directed by Prince himself, was released on MTV in June 1994, and famously opens with a scene of white doves emerging from behind ornate double doors to reveal Prince in a steamy bathtub. In addition to receiving this 1984 American Video Awards "Best Soul Video" award, it was nominated for "Best Choreography" at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards.
