Olivia Dean Dominates 2026 Brit Awards: Full Winners List & Highlights
Olivia Dean dominated the , 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, England, taking home four prestigious awards including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed sophomore record, The Art of Loving. The win solidifies Dean’s rapid ascent to the forefront of British pop, capping a remarkable year that likewise saw her secure the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in January.
Dean’s success is rooted in her ability to connect with a broad audience through relatable songwriting and sophisticated musical arrangements. The Art of Loving, released in 2025, explores the complexities of modern dating with a nuanced perspective, blending influences from bossa nova, trip-hop, neo-soul, and jazz. This stylistic versatility has resonated with listeners across generations.
Accepting the Album of the Year award, Dean offered a poignant reflection on the album’s central theme: “This album is just about love, and loving each other in a world that feels loveless right now.” The sentiment resonated deeply, particularly given the backdrop of a ceremony held for the first time outside of London, at the newly opened Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
The night wasn’t solely Dean’s triumph. Sam Fender also enjoyed a successful evening, winning the Alternative/Rock Act award for the third time in five years, adding to his earlier win in and . He also shared the Song of the Year award with Dean for their collaborative track, “Rein Me In.” Remarkably, Dean actually beat herself in the Song of the Year category, having also been nominated for her solo hit, “Man I Need,” which has remained a fixture in the UK Top 10 since its release in August.
“Rein Me In” began as a solo track on Fender’s album, People Watching, before being reimagined with a new verse from Dean, quickly climbing the UK singles chart. The collaboration highlights a growing trend of artists bridging genres and finding success through shared creativity.
The BRITs also recognized established talent. Noel Gallagher received the Songwriter of the Year award, a fitting tribute following the highly successful Oasis reunion tour of . Mark Ronson was honored with the Producer of the Year award, acknowledging his diverse and influential career. Wolf Alice secured the prize for Best Group, with frontwoman Ellie Rowsell dedicating the award to the UK’s grassroots music venues and advocating for better support for artists.
Dave took home the Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act award, propelled by the success of his album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, and the chart-topping single “Raindance.” Skepta shared the Dance Act prize with Fred Again and PlaqueBoyMax for their collaboration, “Victory Lap,” marking Fred Again’s first win in the category after multiple nominations. The R&B Act award went to the elusive collective Sault, recognizing their innovative and critically acclaimed operate.
International recognition was also bestowed, with Rosalía winning International Artist of the Year, and the New York-based indie rock band Geese claiming the International Group award. Rosé, of Blackpink, and Bruno Mars won International Song of the Year for “APT,” marking the first K-pop award win in BRIT Awards history.
The ceremony, hosted for a sixth time by Jack Whitehall, was punctuated by his signature wit, with playful jabs directed at various celebrities. Whitehall even referenced the recent controversy surrounding the BAFTA Awards, acknowledging the incident involving an N-word during the broadcast.
While Dean was the night’s biggest winner, Lola Young, nominated in five categories, secured the Breakthrough Artist award. Her journey to recognition has been gradual, with nominations dating back to , and her single “Messy” achieving a slow-burn success, reaching number one in the UK eight months after its release.
Lily Allen, despite receiving three nominations for her album West End Girl, did not secure a win, a testament to the fierce competition and Dean’s undeniable momentum.
The evening concluded with a lifetime achievement award presented to the late Ozzy Osbourne, accepted by his wife, Sharon, and a moving tribute performance of “No More Tears” by Robbie Williams, accompanied by Metallica’s Robert Trujillo and Zakk Wylde. A brief on-stage disruption, later revealed to be a publicity stunt for US pop singer Sombr’s new single, added an unexpected moment to the proceedings.
The 2026 BRIT Awards underscored a shift in the British music landscape, celebrating both established icons and emerging talents, and highlighting the power of collaboration and genre-bending creativity. Olivia Dean’s remarkable success signals a new era for British pop, one defined by authenticity, musical innovation, and a deep connection with audiences.