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Polaris Music Prize Announces 2026 Shortlist
The Polaris Music Prize, awarded annually to the best Canadian album as chosen by a jury, has revealed its shortlist of 10 albums in contention for the 2026 honour. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at Toronto's Massey Hall on 22 September, featuring live performances from many of the nominees. Last year's prize went to Yves Jarvis for All Cylinders, and past winners include Arcade Fire, Feist, Caribou and Kaytranada.
This year's shortlist spans a range of genres and includes both newcomers and returning names, with the eventual winner set to receive $30,000 from the Slaight Family Foundation. Tanya Tagaq, who won the prize in 2014 for Animism, is nominated again, while Charlotte Cornfield, Bibi Club, Begonia and Les Louanges have all previously appeared on the shortlist. The full list of nominees is:
– Angine de Poitrine – Vol. II – Aquakultre – 1783 – Begonia – Fantasy Life – Bibi Club – Amaro – Charlotte Cornfield – Hurts Like Hell – Beverly Glenn-Copeland – Laughter In Summer – Rochelle Jordan – Through The Wall – Les Louanges – Alouette! – Peaches – No Lube So Rude – Tanya Tagaq – Saputjiji
In short
- Polaris Music Prize reveals its 10-album 2026 Canadian shortlist.
- Winner announced 22 September at Toronto's Massey Hall, taking $30,000.
- Tanya Tagaq, a 2014 winner, is nominated once again.
Explained simply
The Polaris Music Prize is Canada's most prestigious annual music award, given to the best full-length album by a Canadian artist as selected by a jury of music critics and industry figures. The winner receives $30,000 and recognition within a competitive field, making it one of the country's most influential honours for musicians. Past winners have included Arcade Fire, Feist, Caribou and Kaytranada.
Each year, the prize organisers select a shortlist of ten albums from hundreds of eligible releases. These albums are then narrowed down to one winner, who is announced at a ceremony featuring live performances. Being included on the shortlist significantly raises an artist's profile and can influence their commercial success and critical standing.
For Canadian musicians, a Polaris Prize nomination or win represents major recognition and can open doors internationally. The award celebrates Canadian music across all genres and regions, helping audiences discover new artists and supporting the country's creative community.
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