The cast of ABC’s Nashville will be presented CMT's first-ever International Impact Award during the 2015 CMT Artists of the Year special airing live Wednesday (Dec. 2) at 8 p.m. ET/PT from Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The award will be presented by Kellie Pickler, star of in CMT’s hit series I Love Kellie Pickler.

Nashville cast members Connie Britton (Rayna), Clare Bowen (Scarlett), Chris Carmack (Will), Will Chase (Luke), Charles Esten (Deacon), Jonathan Jackson (Avery), Sam Palladio (Gunnar), Maisy Stella (Daphne), Lennon Stella (Maddie), and Audrey Peeples (Layla) are scheduled to accept the International Impact Award on behalf of the entire cast.

“Through their captivating characters, the cast of Nashville have become international ambassadors for our music; helping to spark Nashville’s red-hot renaissance,” CMT president Brian Philips said in announcing the honor. "With this award, we express our gratitude to a terrific group of stars for helping connect fans from around the world with our city.”

The sixth-annual CMT Artists of the Year special will feature once-in-a-lifetime performances, unexpected tributes and unforgettable toasts as the biggest stars of music, film and television gather to celebrate the five artists selected by CMT as the top artists of the year: Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.

The artists collectively dominated the last 12 months, ruling CMT’s platforms and country radio, scoring chart-topping album and singles and selling out arenas across the nation. Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be announced at a later date.

They join an overgrowing prestigious list of past CMT Artists of the Year honorees that includes Jason Aldean (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Eric Church (2012), Hunter Hayes (2013), Toby Keith (2012), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Tim McGraw (2013), Brad Paisley (2011), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012), Keith Urban (2014) and the Zac Brown Band (2010).

Join the conversation on the official CMT Facebook page or follow @CMT on Twitter using the official hashtag, #CMTAOTY.