Olivier Awards 2026 to be broadcast on the BBC

The event has been run annually in London since 1976, and has been held at the Royal Albert Hall since 2017.

Summary

• The Olivier Awards celebrates excellence in London theatre
• The ceremony will be broadcast on the BBC this year
• Last year's big winners included Giant and Fiddler on the Roof as well as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Olivier Awards, which celebrates excellence in London and West End theatre, will be broadcast on the BBC this year.

The event has been run annually in London since 1976, and has been held at the Royal Albert Hall since 2017. This year's event will take place on 12 April, and marks the awards ceremony's 50th anniversary.

Last year's big winners included the John Lithgow-led Giant, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Kash Bennett, president of the Society of London Theatre, said: “I am thrilled that the Olivier Awards are working with the BBC for our 50th anniversary. This prestigious broadcast partnership enables us to shine a spotlight on the past fifty years of London theatre and the vitality of arts and culture.”

Suzy Klein, head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, added: “As the leading cultural broadcaster in the UK, BBC Arts is committed to sharing world-class performances from across the country. We are delighted to be the official broadcast partner for the 2026 Olivier Awards, bringing the magic of theatre into homes across the nation as part of a rich season of arts programming on the BBC.”

Nominations are yet to be announced, along with the hosts and performers.

Find out more about the Olivier Awards on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Olivier Awards statuette. (Courtesy of SOLT)