By Swikriti • Updated with the full nominee list
The Brit Awards nominations for 2026 have landed with the kind of line-up that instantly sparks arguments in group chats: breakout names climbing into the biggest categories, returning favourites pushing back into the spotlight, and a few glaring absences that fans will be debating until the envelopes open.
The headline story is the sheer weight of momentum behind Olivia Dean and Lola Young, who sit at the centre of this year’s shortlist. Their presence runs through the major UK categories and into the genre awards, making the nominations feel less like a polite roll call and more like a snapshot of where British pop and alternative music is actually living right now.
The ceremony itself is also stepping into a new era. The BRITs move to Manchester for the first time, with the show set for 28 February at the Co-op Live arena. If you want to follow official updates, voting windows and show announcements, the quickest reference point is the BRITs’ nominations update.
Before we get to the full list, here’s what’s driving the chatter. First, it’s the blend of generations: artists who have been fixtures of UK culture for years sitting beside newer names who’ve surged in the past 12 months. Second, it’s the way certain genres look reshaped this year, with pop and alternative feeling especially competitive. And third, it’s the “snub factor” that always boosts interest: some artists with big profiles are missing from the headline categories, which is exactly the kind of controversy that keeps the nominations trending.
Full list of Brit Awards 2026 nominees
Artist of the year
- Dave
- Fred again..
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
Group of the year
- The Last Dinner Party
- Pulp
- Sleep Token
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Album of the year
- Dave — The Boy Who Played The Harp
- Lily Allen — West End Girl
- Olivia Dean — The Art of Loving
- Sam Fender — People Watching
- Wolf Alice — The Clearing
Song of the year
- Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas — Blessings
- Chrystal & Notion — The Days (Notion Remix)
- Cynthia Erivo feat. Ariana Grande — Defying Gravity
- Ed Sheeran — Azizam
- Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax — Victory Lap
- Lewis Capaldi — Survive
- Lola Young — Messy
- Myles Smith — Nice To Meet You
- Olivia Dean — Man I Need
- Raye — Where Is My Husband!
- Sam Fender with Olivia Dean — Rein Me In
- Skye Newman — Family Matters
International artist of the year
- Bad Bunny
- Chappell Roan
- CMAT
- Doechii
- Lady Gaga
- Rosalía
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Sombr
- Taylor Swift
- Tyler, The Creator
International group of the year
- Geese
- Haim
- Huntr/x, Ejae / Audrey Nuna / Rei Ami
- Tame Impala
- Turnstile
International song of the year
- Alex Warren — Ordinary
- Chappell Roan — Pink Pony Club
- Disco Lines & Tinashe — No Broke Boys
- Gigi Perez — Sailor Song
- Gracie Abrams — That’s So True
- Huntr/x, Ejae / Audrey Nuna / Rei Ami — Golden
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars — Die With A Smile
- Ravyn Lenae — Love Me Not
- Rosé & Bruno Mars — APT.
- Sabrina Carpenter — Manchild
- Sombr — Undressed
- Taylor Swift — The Fate of Ophelia
Breakthrough artist
- Barry Can’t Swim
- EsDeeKid
- Jim Legxacy
- Lola Young
- Skye Newman
Critics’ Choice
- Jacob Alon (winner)
- Rose Gray
- Sienna Spiro
Best alternative and rock act
- Blood Orange
- Lola Young
- Sam Fender
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Best pop act
- Jade
- Lily Allen
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- Raye
Best hip-hop rap grime act
- Central Cee
- Dave
- Jim Legxacy
- Little Simz
- Loyle Carner
Best R&B act
- Jim Legxacy
- Kwn
- Mabel
- Sasha Keable
- Sault
Best dance act
- Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas
- FKA twigs
- Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax
- PinkPantheress
- Sammy Virji
So where do the snubs and surprises land? Some of the most discussed talking points usually come from who did not make the top-line categories, but the more revealing story is how this list places newer voices alongside long-established acts. Pulp’s return to the nominations, the continued rise of PinkPantheress, and the spread of Lola Young across both pop and alternative lanes all suggest a year where taste moved quickly and audiences followed.
If you’re building a quick follow-up for extra traffic, the best angle is a focused explainer that answers one question: why these names are showing up everywhere. Keep it tight, keep it human, and lean into what listeners are actually sharing, streaming and debating.
For more entertainment updates and trending culture coverage, you can also browse the latest on Swikblog.
Note: Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year are typically announced separately and may be confirmed closer to the ceremony.
