Paul McCartney has landed his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination at age 84 for his nostalgic album The Boys of Dungeon Lane, joining a competitive 2026 shortlist announced by Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 6 Music that features chart-toppers Olivia Dean, Raye, and Dave.
The race for the prestigious British and Irish album honor is officially underway following a shortlist reveal that balances commercial heavyweights with unexpected career firsts. Administered by an independent judging panel of music industry professionals, the prize celebrates outstanding album releases from British and Irish artists within a defined eligibility window running from Saturday, August 30, 2025, to Friday, July 17, 2026.
The eventual winner will take home a £25,000 prize during the live awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, returning to the host city in partnership with Newcastle City Council.
Paul McCartney’s Historic Nod and the 2026 Contenders
Despite a history stretching back to its inception in 1992, McCartney has never before been nominated for the award. His record, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, marks that milestone. The album draws heavily on formative memories of his Liverpool childhood and his burgeoning friendships with his Beatles bandmates.
Reflecting on the creative process, McCartney noted the spiritual weight of his late bandmate while writing the music, explaining that when I write about a specific place, I kind of know he would’ve known it
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“My collaborator was probably one of the best writers of the century, so, yeah, you’re going to miss him. But when I write [about a specific place], I kind of know he would’ve known it. I can gauge his reaction: that’s good, stick that in.”
Paul McCartney, via The Guardian
McCartney faces formidable competition from Olivia Dean, whose second album, The Art of Loving, has proved to be a runaway commercial juggernaut. Capitol-signed Dean swept the board at the Brit awards this year and spent all but one of its 43 weeks since release inside the UK Top 5, holding the No. 1 spot for eight weeks. With consumption figures reaching 699,113 units according to the Official Charts Company, the record stands as the biggest seller on the shortlist.
Returning Champions and Former Winners on the Shortlist
Several past victors return to the fray alongside a rare compilation album nomination. Rapper Dave, who won the 2019 prize with his debut record, secures a second nomination for his No. 1 album The Boy Who Played the Harp, which has accumulated 148,759 units to date and features the global smash Raindance
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Goth-tinged Britpop band Suede also re-enter the race with Antidepressants, which peaked at No. 2 and has generated 27,704 units. It marks Suede’s first nomination in 29 years, following their victory for their self-titled debut at the second edition of the Mercury Prize in 1993 and a subsequent nod for 1997’s Coming Up.
Another notable inclusion is War Child Records’ collaborative charity project Help(2), recorded at Abbey Road to raise money for War Child. The sequel to 1995’s original Help album features new contributions from former winners including Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Sampha, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Young Fathers, and Beth Gibbons.
Snubs, Surprises, and the Complete 12-Album Lineup
Discussion surrounding the shortlist also focused on high-profile omissions. Lily Allen missed out despite critical and commercial success for her break-up album West End Girl, which detailed the collapse of her marriage to actor David Harbour. Reviewers had praised the project as breathtaking and heartbreaking
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Other notable absences include Harry Styles, Gorillaz, and Charli XCX, whose Wuthering Heights soundtrack missed the cutoff.
- Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
- Dove Ellis – Blizzard
- Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
- Jade – That’s Showbiz Baby!
- Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
- Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down
- Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
- Raye – This Music May Contain Hope
- Suede – Antidepressants
- War Child Records – Help(2)
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