2026 ARIA nominations revealed

Genesis Owusu and Tame Impala have received eight nominations each for the 2026 ARIA Awards, marking the ceremony’s 40th anniversary as it returns to Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on 18 November.

Ecca Vandal follows with seven nominations. Baker Boy, BOY SODA, G Flip, Miss Kaninna and Ninajirachi have five apiece, while DMA’S, Dom Dolla and Troye Sivan each have four.

The awards will stream live on Paramount+ and be broadcast on 10.

Eight nominations apiece

Owusu’s nominations include Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Best Alternative Release for REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. Tame Impala is also up for Album of the Year and Best Solo Artist, with Deadbeat nominated for Best Alternative Release and Dracula in contention for Song of the Year.

Best Alternative Release returns for the first time since 2016. Its field also includes Ecca Vandal’s LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW, Gang of Youths’ Things Take Time and Mec Mag’s It’s My Party.

Across the 29 categories, this year’s nominees also include Kylie Minogue, Paul Kelly, Keith Urban, Vika & Linda and Hilltop Hoods.

Fan voting returns to Spotify

Fans can vote daily through Spotify or the ARIA website from 24 September to 9 November. They will decide four categories: Best Australian Live Act, Song of the Year, Best Video and Most Popular International Artist.

Spotify AUNZ managing director Mikaela Lancaster said the partnership’s first year brought record in-app voting and greater exposure for nominees through Spotify’s editorial and social channels. This year, she said, the platform would build on that work to help Australian artists reach listeners overseas.

“Spotify is committed to ensuring Australian artists aren’t just celebrated at home, but reach audiences around the world,” Lancaster said.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said the nominees reflected four decades of Australian artists making music that has found audiences at home and overseas. She also used the announcement to press the industry’s case on AI and copyright.

“As we continue to fight against the relentless assault on our copyright laws by foreign AI companies, this year’s ARIA Awards are a powerful moment to recognise the enduring power of music to give meaning to the human experience,” Herd said.

Performances and highlights from the ceremony will also be available on ARIA’s YouTube channel.