Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and Raye have all secured nominations for the 2026 Mercury Prize.
At 84, the Beatles icon has earned the first Mercury Prize nomination of his career for his newest record, The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
McCartney responded to the recognition on Instagram on Thursday, telling fans that the announcement had "totally blown me away".
"What a brilliant and exciting surprise to be part of such an incredible list @mercuryprize," he posted. "To have The Boys of Dungeon Lane recognised alongside so many brilliant artists and albums is a huge honour for me. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and enjoy the album.
"We have been having so much fun along the way. From making it with @thisiswatt (songwriter/producer Andrew Watt) to getting it out there for people to hear. I must say the reaction has been really special."
McCartney joins Dean, who received her second nomination for her sophomore project, The Art of Loving. She has enjoyed an impressive run of honours this year, including Album of the Year victories at both the BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards.
Raye, known for Where Is My Husband!, also collected another nomination for This Music May Contain Hope, while past champion Dave returned to the shortlist with The Boy Who Played The Harp.
Presented every year, the Mercury Prize recognises the finest album created by an act from the U.K. or Ireland. The chosen artist receives the trophy along with $33,500 (£25,000) in prize money.
Several other major names made the list, including Florence + The Machine for Everybody Scream, former Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall for her first solo release, That's Showbiz Baby!, and previous winners Suede for Antidepressants.
Completing the nominees are Nia Archives with Emotional Junglist, Knats with A Great Day in Newcastle, Kojey Radical with Don't Look Down, Dove Ellis with Blizzard and Help, a charity compilation supporting War Child.
Among the prominent releases left off the shortlist were Lily Allen’s breakup record West End Girl, Harry Styles’ recent album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally and Gorillaz’s The Mountain.
The recipient will be revealed at an awards ceremony taking place at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England, on 22 October.
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