Jazz FM Awards: live event

Tonight saw the presentation of the Jazz FM awards 2026 at London’s Koko, recognising some of today’s best jazz musicians.

As well as a series of honours for rising stars and established artists alike, there was a Lifetime Achievement Award for Van Morrison (above, with Jools Holland). In association with PPL and PRS for Music, broadcaster, comedian and actor Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown) led the awards in front of a capacity audience.

Performances on the night came from Yazmin Lacey, Van Morrison, Omar and Emma-Jean Thackray, while presemters included Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland, Courtney Pine, Martin Freeman, Katie Melua, Rumer, Lemar, Nick Hornby, Alex Horne, Kenny Thomas and Jordan Rakei.

Even being nominated for one of these awards is a huge achievement, and these are some very special artists in each category. The final awards went to:

BREAKTHROUGH ACT OF THE YEAR: Donovan Haffner

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ ACT OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Saint Lucia Tourism Authority): Samara Joy

BLUES ACT OF THE YEAR: Mavis Staples

SOUL ACT OF THE YEAR (sponsored by OANDA): Omar

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: Joe Webb

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Yazmin Lacey

THE INNOVATION AWARD (sponsored by Mishcon de Reya): Emma-Jean Thackray

THE COLLABORATION AWARD (sponsored by Cash For Kids): Balimaya Project meets Discos Pacifico All-Stars – Calima

ALBUM OF THE YEAR – PUBLIC VOTE: Fergus McCreadie – The Shieling (read my review)

UK JAZZ ACT OF THE YEAR – PUBLIC VOTE: Emma Rawicz (listen to our podcast chat)

Find out more about the JazzFM awards