Paul McCartney has earned his first-ever Mercury Prize nomination at the age of 84, adding another late-career milestone to one of British music’s most storied résumés.
The legendary musician is one of 12 acts in the running for the coveted Mercury Prize, which celebrates the year’s best album by an artist from the UK or Ireland.
McCartney appears on the 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist alongside fellow first-time nominees Raye, Jayde, Dove Ellis and Knats, with the contenders revealed by judges during a London ceremony on Thursday.
The former Beatle is nominated for The Boys of Dungeon Lane, his 24th UK number one album, which arrived at the end of May.
This year’s lineup also features past Mercury Prize winners Dave and Suede, as well as Florence And The Machine, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives and Olivia Dean.
Rounding out the shortlist is Help(two), a charity album created in support of War Child and featuring contributions from major names including Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo and Fontaines DC.
Launched in 1992, the Mercury Prize was first awarded to Primal Scream for their landmark album Screamadelica.
Sir Paul is now among the oldest artists ever shortlisted for the honour, behind only folk musician Martin Carthy, who made the list last year and is just one month older.
Paul McCartney seen leaving Claridge’s after having lunch with his daughter in September 2022 in London
He has already been the recipient of a number of accolades including an Academy Award, 19 Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award.
Lily Allen has been notably absent from this year’s Mercury Prize shortlist – despite her 2025 album West End Girl being favourably received.
Her record had drawn on the collapse of her marriage to actor David Harbour and was praised by critics as ‘breathtaking and heartbreaking’ and ‘a brutal, tell-all masterpiece’.
Last year’s winner of the award was singer-songwriter Sam Fender who was nominated for his third album, People Watching.
He accepted the prize in his home city, Newcastle, after it was moved out of London for the first time in its history.
Mr Fender later gave his £25,000 winnings in support of struggling grassroots venues.
Olivia Dean joins the 2026 shortlist after a productive year of Brits and Grammy wins.
She is among the favourites to win the prize after her second record, The Art of Loving, won album of the year at both the Brits and the Mobo Awards.
This year’s ceremony will return to Newcastle and take place at the city’s Utilita Arena on October 22.
