Olivier Awards 2026: Full List of Nominations Unveiled
The prestigious Olivier Awards for 2026 have announced their nominations, with Paddington the Musical and Into the Woods emerging as the frontrunners, each securing an impressive 11 nods. This year's lineup showcases a vibrant mix of new productions and celebrated revivals, highlighting the best of London's theatre scene.
Top Categories and Contenders
In the Best New Musical category, the competition is fierce. Contenders include Here We Are at the National Theatre, Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
For Best Musical Revival, nominees feature American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre, Evita at The London Palladium, Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre, and The Producers at the Garrick Theatre.
The Best New Play category includes works such as 1536 by Ava Pickett at the Almeida Theatre, Inter Alia by Suzie Miller at the National Theatre, Kenrex by Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian at The Other Palace, and Punch by James Graham at the Young Vic and Apollo Theatre.
Acting and Directing Honors
Notable acting nominations see Cate Blanchett for The Seagull and Bryan Cranston for All My Sons in the lead categories. In musical performances, Jamie Parker for Into the Woods and Rachel Zegler for Evita are among the standout nominees.
Directing accolades include the Sir Peter Hall Award, with contenders like Jordan Fein for Into the Woods and Luke Sheppard for Paddington the Musical, showcasing diverse theatrical vision.
Technical and Design Excellence
Categories such as Best Costume Design and Best Set Design highlight creative achievements, with nominees including Tom Scutt for Into the Woods and Gabriella Slade for Paddington the Musical. Sound and lighting design nominations further underscore the technical prowess behind this year's productions.
Additional Highlights
Other categories feature Best Family Show, with adaptations like The Boy at the Back of the Class, and Best New Dance Production, including works by Sharon Eyal. The awards also recognize outstanding contributions in affiliate theatres and opera productions, such as Dead Man Walking by English National Opera.
The Olivier Awards 2026 celebrate a dynamic year in theatre, with winners to be announced in the coming months. This list reflects the innovation and talent driving London's stages, from beloved musicals to groundbreaking plays.
