Paul McCartney is shortlisted for a Mercury Prize for first time... alongside Olivia Dean and Raye

Published: 01:42, 31 July 2026 | Updated: 02:20, 31 July 2026 Paul McCartney has been shortlisted for his first Mercury Prize at the age of 84. The musician is among 12 artists nominated for the prestigious award which is given for the best album released by a musical act from the United Kingdom or Ireland. He joins fellow first-time nominees Raye, Jayde, Dove Ellis and Knats on the 2026 shortlist, which was announced by judges at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The Beatle has been nominated for his 24th chart-topping album in the UK, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which was released at the end of May. Previous winners Dave and Suede have also made this year's shortlist along with Florence And The Machine, Kojey Radical, Nia Archives and Olivia Dean. Completing the list is Help(two), an album recorded to support the War Child charity featuring artists including the Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo and Fontaines DC. The Mercury Prize was established in 1992 and won that year by Primal Scream for their album Screamadelica. Sir Paul becomes one of the oldest musicians to be shortlisted for the award – only surpassed by folk star Martin Carthy last year, who is just one month older.  Paul McCartney seen leaving Claridge's after having lunch with his daughter in September 2022 in London Should age or lifetime achievements influence who deserves top music awards like the Mercury Prize? What's your view?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.