Everything you need to know about the Olivier Awards 2026

The 2026 Olivier Awards will be presented on Sunday 12 April, with Into The Woods and Paddington leading nominations with 11 each.

Summary

• The Olivier Awards will take place on Sunday 12 April 2026
• This year's event marks 50 years of the Olivier Awards
• Contenders include Paddington The Musical and Into The Woods

London's West End theatres showcase world-class plays, musicals, opera, dance, and other entertainment year-round. With the Olivier Awards, the Society of London Theatre celebrates the very best of these productions.

Founded as Society of West End Theatre Awards in 1976, the awards were renamed in honour of the legendary actor Sir Laurence Olivier in 1984. Ahead of the 2026 Olivier Awards, learn more about this year's ceremony, the nominated productions, and fun facts about this year's shortlist.

What are the Olivier Awards?

The Olivier Awards are presented by the Society of London Theatre on an annual basis to celebrate excellence in London theatre. They are considered the highest honour in British theatre and are the equivalent of New York's Tony Awards, which celebrate the best of Broadway theatre. Originally known as the Society of West End Theatre Awards on their inception in 1976, they were renamed in honour of actor Laurence Olivier in 1984.

Who are the nominees for the 2026 Olivier Awards?

The full list of nominees for the 2026 Olivier Awards can be found here on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

The shows scooping the most nominations are Paddington The Musical and Into The Woods, with 11 nominations each. Also in contention are Ivo van Hove's revival of All My Sons, with six nominations, as well as new plays Stereophonic and Kenrex, also with six nominations each.

Jo Foster and Oliver Savile will battle it out in the same category (best actor in a supporting role in a musical) for Into The Woods, as will Marc Antolin and Andy Nyman for The Producers in the best actor in a musical category. Meanwhile James Hameed & Arti Shah have been jointly nominated for bringing to life Paddington Bear in Paddington The Musical.

Zachary Hart goes up against himself for best actor in a supporting role for The Seagull and Stereophonic.

When are the Olivier Awards?

The Olivier Awards are usually presented in April and, this year, the ceremony takes place on Sunday 12 April 2026.

Where are the Olivier Awards taking place?

The 2026 Olivier Awards will take place at the Royal Albert Hall. The Royal Albert Hall has hosted all the in-person Olivier Awards ceremonies since 2017 (except for 2020, when the ceremony was postponed to September due to Covid and took place at a socially distanced London Palladium). The first-ever ceremony took place at the former Café Royale in Piccadilly and other venues over the years have included the Royal Opera House, the National Theatre, and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps best known for holding the BBC Proms concerts each summer. Over 1.7 million people visit the beautiful and historical venue each year.

This year, the Olivier Awards will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the iconic London venue.

How can I watch the Olivier Awards?

This year's ceremony will be hosted by the BBC, with a highlights package presented via TV and radio later in the evening.

Who are the hosts of the 2026 Olivier Awards?

The 2026 ceremony will be hosted by Celebrity Traitors contestant and comedian Nick Mohammed. Speaking about the opportunity, he said: “To host the Oliviers in its 50th year is not only a dream come true but an absolute honour and privilege. I love it not only for the breadth of theatrical talent it celebrates, but also for the extraordinary variety of live performances it showcases on the night itself.”

Last year's awards were presented by Beverley Knight — who is currently starring in Marie & Rosetta in the West End – and Billy Porter.

Which shows are performing at this year’s ceremony?

The performance line-up is yet to be revealed.

What does an Olivier Award look like?

An Olivier Award takes the form of a bronze statue portraying Laurence Olivier as Henry V at the Old Vic in 1937. It is designed by the sculptor Harry Franchetti and weighs 1.6kg – be sure to handle with care.

What Olivier Award-nominated shows are playing in London now?

Many 2026 Olivier Award-nominated shows are currently running in London. Book your tickets now to the most critically acclaimed productions.

Paddington The Musical

Nominated for 11 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Actor/Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design, Best Choreographer, Best Set Design, and Outstanding Musical Contribution.

Book Paddington The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Into The Woods

Nominated for 11 Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, all four acting categories, Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design, Best Set Design, and Best Lighting Design.

Book Into The Woods tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

1536

Nominated for two Olivier Awards, including Best New Play and Best Director.

Book 1536 tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Inter Alia

Nominated for two Olivier Awards, including Best New Play and Best Actress for Rosamund Pike.

Book Inter Alia tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Nominated for two Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for Jenna Russell.

Book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

The Producers

Nominated for four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Trevor Ashley and Best Actor in a Musical nods for Marc Antolin and Andy Nyman.

Book The Producers tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Oh, Mary!

Nominated for two Olivier Awards, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Giles Terera.

Book Oh, Mary! tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

The Comedy About Spies

Nominated for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play.

Book The Comedy About Spies tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Paranormal Activity

Nominated for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play.

Book Paranormal Activity tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Which previous Olivier Award-winning shows can I book now?

While not all shows, however highly feted, are destined to be long-running commercial hits, the prestige of Olivier-winning status can help to boost a show’s longevity. Of course, it isn’t the be all and end all – Wicked and SIX, for example, didn’t win any Oliviers and it hasn’t done them any harm! A selection of previous Olivier-winning shows currently playing include:

Titanique

Two-time winner in 2025, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Layton Williams.

Book Titanique tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Oliver!

Winner of Best Lighting Design in 2025.

Book Oliver! tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Starlight Express

Winner of Best Costume Design in 2025.

Book Starlight Express tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Nine-time winner in 2017, including Best New Play and Best Director.

Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Cabaret

Eight-time winner in 2022, including Best Musical Revival and Best Director.

Book Cabaret tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Hamilton

Seven-time winner in 2018, including Best New Musical.

Book Hamilton tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Matilda

Seven-time winner in 2012, including Best New Musical and Best Director.

Book Matilda tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

My Neighbour Totoro

Six-time winner in 2023, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Director.

Book My Neighbour Totoro tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Back to the Future

Best New Musical winner in 2022.

Book Back to the Future tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

How many categories are there in the Olivier Awards?

There are 26 competitive categories in the 2025 Olivier Awards. 21 awards are for theatre productions, with a further two awards for opera, two awards for dance, and one for productions in affiliate theatres. The Special Award is also given each year to an actor or creative with an exemplary body of work. The Olivier Award categories are as follows:

Olivier Awards for Productions

Best New Play
Best Revival
Best New Comedy
Best New Musical
Best Musical Revival

Olivier Awards for Performers

Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Actor in a Musical
Best Actress in a Musical
Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Olivier Awards for Creatives

Outstanding Achievement in Music Production
Best Director
Gillian Lynne Award for Best Theatre Choreographer
Best Set Design
Best Costume Design
Best Lighting Design
Best Sound Design

Olivier Awards for Dance

Best New Dance Production
Outstanding Achievement in Dance

Olivier Awards for Opera

Best New Opera Production
Outstanding Achievement in Opera

Additional Olivier Awards

Best Entertainment and Family
Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre
Special Award

What theatres are eligible in the Olivier Awards?

The Olivier Awards recognises the best theatre performances across the West End and select Off-West End theatres in London. However, not all London productions qualify for Olivier Award eligibility. All shows at the following venues are eligible for the main Olivier Awards categories:

• Almeida Theatre
• Apollo Theatre
• Apollo Victoria Theatre
• Arts Theatre
• Barbican
• Cambridge Theatre
• Criterion Theatre
• Dominion Theatre
• Donmar Warehouse
• Duchess Theatre
• Duke of York's Theatre
• Fortune Theatre
• Garrick Theatre
• Gielgud Theatre
• Gillian Lynne Theatre
• Hampstead Theatre
• Harold Pinter Theatre
• Her Majesty's Theatre
• London Coliseum
• London Palladium
• Lyric Theatre
• National Theatre
• Noël Coward Theatre
• Novello Theatre
• Palace Theatre
• Phoenix Theatre
• Piccadilly Theatre
• Playhouse Theatre
• Prince Edward Theatre
• Prince of Wales Theatre
• Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
• Riverside Studios
• Royal Court (Jerwood Theatre Downstairs)
• Royal Opera House
• Sadler's Wells
• Savoy Theatre
• Shaftesbury Theatre
• Shakespeare's Globe
• Sondheim Theatre
• St Martin's Theatre
• Trafalgar Theatre
• The Old Vic
• The Other Palace
• The Young Vic
• Theatre Royal Drury Lane
• Theatre Royal Haymarket
• Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
• Unicorn Theatre
• Vaudeville Theatre
• Victoria Palace Theatre
• Wyndham's Theatre

What are affiliate venues in the Olivier Awards?

As well as the venues that can house Olivier-eligible productions, some venues can submit productions as an "affiliate" venues. Affiliate venues are organisational members of the UK Theatre Association, but do not pay a performance levy in order to qualify. Affiliate theatres include:

• Arcola Theatre
• Bloomsbury Theatre
• Bush Theatre
• Cadogan Hall
• Charing Cross Theatre
• Greenwich Theatre
• Hackney Empire
• Hampstead (Downstairs)
• Kiln Theatre
• Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
• Menier Chocolate Factory
• New Wimbledon Theatre
• Park Theatre
• Peacock Theatre
• Polka Theatre
• Rose Theatre Kingston
• Royal Court (Jerwood Theatre Upstairs)
• Soho Theatre
• Theatre Royal Stratford East
• Unicorn Clore Theatre
• Young Vic Maria and Clare studios

What are some fun facts about this year's Olivier nominations?

• The Wicked movie performers have been notably snubbed at this year's event — there was no nomination for Jonathan Bailey's turn as Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, nor Cynthia Erivo's incredible feat in Kip Williams's adaptation of Dracula.
• James Hameed and Arti Shah are the first example of two people being nominated for the same role in the Best Actor in a Musical category. Together, they bring Paddington Bear to life in Paddington The Musical.
• There are three Oscars nominees and one winner among this year's Olivier contenders: Bryan Cranston is an Oscar nominee for Trumbo, while Rosamund Pike and Marianne Jean-Baptiste have been Oscar-nominated for Gone Girl and Secrets & Lies respectively. Cate Blanchett, nominated for Best Actress for The Seagull, is a double Oscar winner for The Aviator and Blue Jasmine.
• The Olivier Awards has a long history with the BBC, but hasn't been hosted on the channel since 2013. It has been televised by ITV for the past 12 years, but now it returns to the BBC in its 50th year.

What else should I know about the Olivier Awards?

• Mickey-Jo Theatre gives us the rundown of who will win and who should win at the Olivier Awards?
• Some of the biggest moments in Olivier Awards history
• All the categories at the Olivier Awards
• Full list of nominees for the 2026 Olivier Awards

Photo credit: Olivier Awards (Photo courtesy of Society of London Theatre) / production images courtesy of Into The Woods, Paddington