Image via The Brit Awards Facebook Page
The nominations for the 2026 BRIT Awards have been unveiled ahead of next month’s ceremony, spotlighting a broad cross-section of UK talent across dance, rap, pop and alternative music. Among the most prominent names this year are Sammy Virji, PinkPantheress, Fred again.., and Jim Legxacy, with Dave, Little Simz, Barry Can’t Swim, Calvin Harris, and EsDeeKid also featuring heavily across major categories.
In the Best Dance Act category, Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas, FKA twigs, Fred again.. (with Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax), PinkPantheress, and Sammy Virji go head-to-head. Elsewhere, Dave is nominated for Album of the Year for The Boy Who Played the Harp and also appears in the competitive Artist of the Year category alongside Little Simz, PinkPantheress, and Fred again... Breakthrough Artist sees Barry Can’t Swim, Jim Legxacy, and EsDeeKid recognised for their rising impact.
This year’s nominations were revealed at a closed event hosted by Charley Marlow and Sarah Story, with organisers noting that almost 70% of shortlisted artists and tracks feature women and non-binary people. Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of BPI, praised the breadth of talent represented, highlighting the global impact of the UK’s next generation of artists, while Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, described the list as a reflection of a vibrant and culturally significant year in music.
The 2026 BRIT Awards will take place on 28 February at Manchester’s Co-op Live, marking the first time the ceremony has been held outside London. Jack Whitehall will return as host, with the city also set to welcome the MOBO Awards the following month.
See the full list of nominees HERE.
