Featuring Angine de Poitrine, Bibi Club, Nadah El Shazly, Tanya Tagaq and more
On Thursday evening, the Polaris Music Prize has revealed its long list nominees, kicking off its 2026 season. Based on artist merit, the institution awards a $30,000 prize courtesy of the Slaight Family Foundation to one artist whose record has been deemed as the Canadian Album of the Year.
This year’s selection includes 13 first-time nominees along with past winners Kaytranada, Tanya Tagaq, and Daphni’s Dan Snaith (Caribou) along with Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Peaches who’ve received the Polaris Heritage Prize. The list of nominees also include Dominique Fils-Aimé, Rochelle Jordan, Ouri, No Joy, Charlotte Day Wilson, cootie catcher, PUP and more.
“The Canada Council for the Arts is proud to support Canadian artists through the presentation of the Polaris Prize Long List. The remarkable works of these artists showcase the vitality of Canadian music and its power to bring people together, strengthen connections across the country and share our creativity with the world. Congratulations to all the nominees,” says Michelle Chawla, the Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts.
The 10 finalist albums on the short list will be revealed on July 9th. The awards ceremony is also set to take place on September 22nd at Toronto’s Massey Hall.
