BRIT Awards 2026: Olivia Dean Wins Big Amid Censorship & Palestine Protests
Olivia Dean dominated the BRIT Awards, securing four prestigious awards – Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, Pop Act, and Song of the Year for her collaboration with Sam Fender, “Rein Me In.” However, the ceremony at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena was marked by a series of editorial decisions by ITV, raising questions about the broadcaster’s approach to artistic expression and political commentary.
ITV reportedly edited out several on-air remarks, including a direct call for a “free Palestine” and a joke referencing Lord Peter Mandelson during Jack Whitehall’s opening monologue. This follows a similar controversy just a week prior, stemming from a live broadcast at the BAFTA Film Awards, signaling a pattern of heightened sensitivity surrounding potentially contentious content.
The censorship wasn’t limited to Whitehall’s prepared remarks. New York band Geese, winners of the International Group award, saw drummer Max Bassin’s acceptance speech curtailed after he voiced support for Palestine and used an expletive, also referencing US immigration enforcement. Further amplifying the theme, Scottish singer Jacob Alon, who won the Critics’ Choice Award, was observed holding a Palestinian keffiyeh during Sharon Osbourne’s Lifetime Achievement Award presentation honoring her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne. Alon had previously demonstrated his support for Palestine with a similar gesture during a live performance at the 2025 Mercury Prize.
The decisions by ITV have sparked debate about the boundaries of broadcast censorship and the role of award shows as platforms for political expression. While broadcasters often exercise editorial control, the extent to which they intervene in artists’ acceptance speeches and comedic material is under scrutiny. The timing, following the BAFTA incident, suggests a deliberate tightening of restrictions.
Despite the surrounding controversy, the night also celebrated significant artistic achievements. Sam Fender, who shared the Song of the Year award with Dean for “Rein Me In,” was also named Best Alternative/Rock Act. Fender acknowledged Dean’s contribution to their collaborative hit, stating she “made the song her own.” Dean herself became visibly emotional while accepting the Album of the Year prize, expressing gratitude to those involved in the creation of The Art of Loving and speaking to the record’s central themes of love.
Beyond Dean and Fender, several other artists were recognized for their contributions to the music industry. Wolf Alice took home the Group of the Year award and used their platform to address the challenges facing grassroots music venues in the UK, highlighting recent closures and job losses. Rosalía was honored as International Artist, while Rosé, of Blackpink, collected International Song of the Year for “APT,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars. Lola Young was named Breakthrough Artist, and Dave secured the Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act award.
The Dance Act award was jointly presented to Fred again.., Skepta, and PlaqueBoyMax, and Sault was recognized in the R&B Act category. Oasis’s Noel Gallagher received the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award, and Mark Ronson was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, acknowledging his significant impact on the industry. PinkPantheress, also known as Victoria Walker, was named Producer of the Year.
The ceremony also included a tribute performance dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, acknowledging his enduring legacy in rock music. The event, while celebrating musical talent, will likely be remembered as much for the editorial choices made by ITV as for the awards themselves, prompting ongoing conversations about artistic freedom and the responsibilities of broadcasters in the age of heightened political awareness.