Paul McCartney Earns First Mercury Prize Nomination
Paul McCartney’s album The Boys of Dungeon Lane joined Olivia Dean, Raye, Dave and eight other releases on the 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist.
In short
- Paul McCartney’s album The Boys of Dungeon Lane joined Olivia Dean, Raye, Dave and eight other releases on the 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist.
Paul McCartney has received his first Mercury Prize nomination, joining Olivia Dean, Raye, Dave and eight other shortlisted acts for the 2026 award honoring albums by British and Irish artists.
The shortlist, announced on July 30, includes McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane, Dean’s The Art of Loving, Raye’s This Music May Contain Hope and Dave’s The Boy Who Played the Harp. Florence + the Machine, Jade, Suede, Dove Ellis, Knats, Kojey Radical and Nia Archives are also nominated, alongside the War Child Records compilation Help(2).
The nomination is McCartney’s first since the prize began in 1992. Dave won the award in 2019, while Suede took the prize in 1993.
An 11-member industry panel will select the winner. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 22, 2026, at Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
