Paul McCartney has received his first Mercury Prize nomination, joining Olivia Dean, Raye and nine other acts on the 2026 shortlist for outstanding British albums. The nomination is notable because it is McCartney’s first recognition from the long-running UK award, while the shortlist also spans pop, rap, jazz, rock and drum and bass.

The 12 shortlisted albums include releases by Dave, Florence + the Machine, Jade, Knats, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives, Suede, Dove Ellis and the War Child charity compilation “Help(2)”. A 12-member jury selected the nominees, and the winner will be announced in Newcastle on 22 October, receiving £25,000; previous winners Dave and Suede won in 2019 and 1993 respectively.