Paul McCartney has made the Mercury Prize shortlist thanks to his album The Boys of Dungeon Lane. Photo: AP PHOTO
Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean and Raye are among the artists shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize.
The prize, created in 1992, is awarded each year to the best album by an artist from the UK or Ireland.
The nominated albums include Dean's The Art of Loving, which won album of the year at the Brit Awards, and McCartney's latest work, The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
The album, which gives the Beatles star his first-ever Mercury nomination, recounts memories from his formative years.
The 14-track record was named after a place close to his childhood home in Forthlin Road in the Liverpool suburb of Speke.
Released at the end of May, it was McCartney's first album in five years and reached number one on the UK album charts.
Mercury-shortlisted albums include Olivia Dean's Brit Award-winning The Art of Loving. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP PHOTOS)
Also on the shortlist are Raye's This Music May Contain Hope, Dave's The Boy Who Played The Harp, Florence and the Machine's Everybody Scream, Dove Ellis's Blizzard and Knats' A Great Day in Newcastle.
The list is completed by Kojey Radical's Don't Look Down, Former Little Mix star Jade with That's Showbiz Baby!, Nia Archives for Emotional Junglist, Suede with Antidepressants and War Child Records with HELP(2).
Albums are nominated based on musical merit, irrespective of how successful the record or act have been in the year.
The event will feature live performances from many of the nominated artists before the winner is announced.
The Mercury Prize ceremony will be held on October 22 in Newcastle.
The event was also held in Newcastle in 2025, its first year outside London.
Sam Fender won 2025's prize for his album People Watching.
Other winners in recent years include English Teacher, Little Simz, Arlo Parks and Wolf Alice.
Along with a trophy, the winner of the Mercury Prize receives Stg25,000 ($A48,000).
Australian Associated Press
