National Film Awards (India)
- 1993 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Roja
- 1997 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Minsaara Kanavu
- 2002 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Lagaan
- 2003 - National Film Award for Best Music Direction - Kannathil Muthamittal
Filmfare Awards (India)
- 1995 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Rangeela
- 1998 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Dil Se
- 1999 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Taal
- 2001 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Lagaan
- 2002 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Saathiya
- 2002 - Filmfare Best Background Score - The Legend of Bhagat Singh
- 2004 - Filmfare Best Background Score - Swades
- 2006 - Filmfare Best Music Director Award - Rang de Basanti
- He also won a "Filmfare R D Burman Music Debutant Award" for Roja's dubbed Hindi version.
South Indian Filmfare Awards
- 1993 - Best Music - Roja
- 1994 - Best Music - Gentleman
- 1995 - Best Music - Kadhalan
- 1996 - Best Music - Bombay
- 1997 - Best Music - Kadhal Desam
- 1998 - Best Music - Minsaara Kanavu
- 1999 - Best Music - Jeans
- 2000 - Best Music - Mudhalvan
- 2001 - Best Music - Alaipayuthey
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
- 1993 - Best Music - Roja
- 1994 - Best Music - Gentleman
- 1995 - Best Music - Kadhalan
- 1996 - Best Music - Bombay
- 1997 - Best Music - Minsaara Kanavu
- 2000 - Best Music - Sangamam
Zee Cine Awards (India)
- 2000 - 2002 - Zee Cine Award Best Music Director - Lagaan
- 2006 - Zee Cine Award Best Music Director - Rang De Basanti
GIFA Awards (Malaysia)
- 2006 - GIFA Award for Best Music - Rang De Basanti
- 2006 - GIFA Award for Best Background Music - Rang De Basanti
IIFA Awards (UK/ South Africa/ Malasia/ Yorkshire)
- 2007 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Rang De Basanti
- 2002 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Lagaan
- 2003 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Saathiya
- 2000 - IIFA Best Music Direction - Taal
Star Screen Awards
- 2002 - Best Background Music
Swaralaya Yesudas Award (India)
- 2006 - Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award for outstanding performance in music field
2000 - Padma Shri (India)
A. R. Rahman has been nominated for the following awards:
Laurence Olivier Awards (UK)
- 2003 - Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best New Musical - Bombay Dreams
Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Canada)
- 2006 - General Theatre Division - Outstanding Musical Direction - The Lord of the Rings musical