The nominations for the 2026 Olivier Awards have been announced, celebrating the best of London theatre as the awards mark their 50th anniversary. The ceremony will accept place on April 12 at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Nick Mohammed. Leading the nominations this year are two productions: Paddington The Musical and Into the Woods, each receiving 11 nominations.
Following closely behind are the plays All My Sons, Kenrex, and Stereophonic, each receiving six nominations. This year’s nominations showcase a diverse range of talent and productions, with many familiar names making their mark.
Best New Musical
The nominees for the Cunard Best New Musical include:
- Here We Are, book by David Ives, music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim at National Theatre – Lyttelton
- Paddington The Musical, music & lyrics by Tom Fletcher & book by Jessica Swale at Savoy Theatre
- Shucked, book by Robert Horn, music & lyrics by Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
- The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry, book by Rachel Joyce, music & lyrics by Passenger at Theatre Royal Haymarket
Best Musical Revival
For the Best Musical Revival, the nominees are:
- American Psycho, book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, music & lyrics by Duncan Sheik at Almeida Theatre
- Evita, lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber at The London Palladium
- Into The Woods, music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine at Bridge Theatre
- The Producers, music & lyrics by Mel Brooks, book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan at Garrick Theatre
Best New Play and Revival
The Best New Play nominees include:
- 1536 by Ava Pickett at Almeida Theatre
- Inter Alia by Suzie Miller at National Theatre – Lyttelton
- Kenrex by Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian at the Other Palace
- Punch by James Graham at Young Vic and Apollo Theatre
In the Best Revival category, the nominees are:
- All My Sons by Arthur Miller at Wyndham’s Theatre
- Arcadia by Tom Stoppard at the Aged Vic
- Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
- The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, adapted by Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier at Barbican Theatre
Acting Nominations
This year’s nominations feature prominent actors:
- Best Actress: Cate Blanchett for The Seagull
- Best Actor: Bryan Cranston for All My Sons
- Best Actress in a Musical: Katie Brayben for Into The Woods
- Best Actor in a Musical: Marc Antolin for The Producers
In the supporting categories, notable nominees include:
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Isis Hainsworth for Arcadia
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Paapa Essiedu for All My Sons
What to Watch Next
The 2026 Olivier Awards promise to be a night of celebration and recognition for the theatre community, with a host of stars and productions vying for top honors. With the ceremony broadcast live on BBC Two and iPlayer, audiences can look forward to seeing who takes home the coveted awards.
As the theatre world gears up for this prestigious event, fans and industry insiders alike are encouraged to share their predictions and support their favorite productions. The Olivier Awards continue to be a benchmark for excellence in the performing arts, reflecting the vibrant landscape of London theatre.
