Mark Ronson's Heartfelt Homage to Amy Winehouse at BRIT Awards Ceremony
Mark Ronson paid a deeply emotional tribute to the late Amy Winehouse as he collected the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music prize at the BRIT Awards. The celebrated record producer, aged 50, was honoured during Saturday's ceremony in Manchester, where he reflected on the poignant timing of the event, noting that this week marks exactly two decades since he first met the iconic musician.
A Life-Changing Collaboration Remembered
The pair famously wrote the legendary hit Back to Black together on what Ronson described as the 'same day' – a pivotal moment that he revealed 'changed his life forever'. During his acceptance speech, Ronson expressed profound gratitude, stating: 'It means so much to me to get this award.'
The musician extended heartfelt thanks to numerous collaborators throughout his career, including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and Dua Lipa. He emphasised that the music he created with Amy Winehouse provided the essential platform that enabled him to work with such esteemed artists. Ronson poignantly acknowledged: 'The music I made with Amy is the reason any of them know who I am anyway, so that's why I will also treasure her voice, her talent, our bond, all of it.'
Spectacular Performances and Surprise Appearances
After receiving his award from Skepta, Ronson took to the stage to perform Ooh Wee alongside Ghostface Killah, before delivering a moving homage to Winehouse with a powerful rendition of Back to Black. The performance incorporated a touching clip of the late star discussing Ronson, alongside Valerie performed with Amy's original band The Dap-Kings.
The musical celebration continued with an energetic performance of Uptown Funk, followed by a surprise appearance from Dua Lipa, who joined Ronson to perform Dance The Night from the Barbie soundtrack and their collaboration Electricity.
Ronson's Reflections on a Meaningful Honour
Prior to the ceremony, Ronson had described the BRIT Award as the most 'meaningful honour' of his entire music career. In a statement released earlier this month, he expressed: 'This is the most meaningful honour of my career. I think of the times I've watched artists I revere accept this same award. The idea that I'm now standing in that lineage feels impossible.'
Born in London but raised in New York, the chart-topping star has consistently expressed pride in his British heritage. Ronson reflected: '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 not just my work but how I understand what music should do.'
He added heartfelt appreciation for British audiences: 'And more than anything, it's the crowds here who've sustained and showed up for me. The fans, the festival crowds, the record buyers and streamers – the love has always been overwhelming. I'm beyond grateful for all of it.'
BRIT Awards 2026: Complete Winners Roundup
Major Category Triumphs
Olivia Dean emerged as the ceremony's standout success, securing an impressive four awards across every category in which she was nominated. The 26-year-old British singer-songwriter claimed victories for Best Artist, Best Album for The Art Of Loving, Best Song, and Best Pop Act. Dean made history by becoming the first woman since Adele in 2021 to simultaneously hold the UK's number one single and album positions, achieving this feat with her track Man I Need and album The Art Of Loving, both released in 2025.
Notable Awards and Recognition
Manchester-born Noel Gallagher, aged 58, received the Songwriter of the Year award, following his highly publicised reunion with brother Liam for the monumental Oasis reunion tour. Sharon Osbourne, 73, delivered a moving speech while accepting the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July last year.
Supported by daughter Kelly, 41, Sharon praised Ozzy as 'gifted, totally unpredictable, a wild man – he was a true artist.' She highlighted his humble origins: 'He came from a small, working-class neighbourhood in Birmingham and rose to become one of the most recognisable and respected musicians of his life.'
Additional Category Winners
- Breakthrough Artist: Lola Young, 24, who triumphed after a challenging period following her on-stage collapse in New York last September
- Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act: Dave, 27, recognised for his third studio album The Boy Who Played The Harp
- Dance Act: Fred Again, Skepta, and PlaqueBoyMax
- Best Rock Category: Sam Fender
- R&B Award: SAULT
- Critics Choice Award: Jacob Alon
- Producer of the Year: PinkPantheress
- Best International Group: Geese
- Best International Artist: ROSALÍA
- International Song of the Year: Rosé and Bruno Mars for APT
- Group of the Year: Wolf Alice, celebrating the success of their fourth album The Clearing
Memorable Performances and Tributes
The ceremony concluded with an all-star rock tribute performance honouring Ozzy Osbourne, featuring a special arrangement of No More Tears from his multi-million selling 1991 album. Curated by Sharon Osbourne herself, the performance included former band members Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde, with Robbie Williams serving as frontman at Sharon's personal invitation.
