The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard has announced that internationally acclaimed musician, producer, and DJ Mark Ronson will be honored with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music award. The ceremony, set to take place on Saturday, 28th February, marks a historic moment as the awards move to their new home at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Ronson, a titan of contemporary music, joins an elite lineage of previous recipients including David Bowie, Elton John, and the Spice Girls. Beyond accepting the trophy—designed this year by Manchester’s own Matthew Williamson—Ronson is confirmed to perform live. He joins a high-octane lineup that already includes Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, and Wolf Alice.
A Legacy of Hits
With 25 billion global streams and nine Grammy Awards, Ronson’s influence is undeniable. From the era-defining soul of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black to the unstoppable funk of "Uptown Funk" with Bruno Mars, his work has consistently shaped the global charts. His versatile talent also earned him an Academy Award for co-writing "Shallow" (A Star Is Born) and critical acclaim for his contributions to the Barbie soundtrack.
Reflecting on the honor, Ronson stated, “This is the most meaningful honor of my career. I left England as a kid, but this country runs through everything I’ve made. The UK artists I’ve worked with—their brilliance and refusal to compromise—shaped how I understand what music should do.”
Manchester Takes Center Stage
The 2026 ceremony, hosted by Jack Whitehall, marks the first of a two-year residency in Manchester. The move is supported by the "BRITs Fringe" program, celebrating the city's rich musical heritage.
Leading the nominations this year are Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five nods each, followed closely by Sam Fender. Fans can currently cast their votes for Song of the Year via WhatsApp until 13th February.
The BRITs continue their 34-year partnership with ITV and 29 years with Mastercard, ensuring the spectacle reaches a global audience while supporting The BRIT Trust’s vital work in music education and wellbeing.
