The Australian music industry’s leading awards evening celebrates it’s 40th anniversary showcasing Australian talent spanning classical, jazz and contemporary music.

The ARIA Awards ceremony will take place on 18 November 18, 2026 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

In the Best Classical Album category are Jayson Gillham (for Chopin Etudes), Australian Chamber Orchestra under Richard Tognetti (Beethoven & Brahms Concertos for Violin and Orchestra), Sydney Symphony Orchestra under Simone Young (Mahler: Symphony No. 3), Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra with pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska under Johannes Fritzsch (Elena Kats-Chernin: Ancient Letters), and William Barton and Omega Ensemble for Gift – Our Breath of Life.

Jayson Gillham. Photo © Rémi Chauvin

The nominees for Best Jazz Album are Donny Benét (Il Basso), composer-guitarist Hilary Geddes (Redleaf), pianist-composer Lauren Tsamouras and trumpeter Tom Avgenicos (For Judy), Ten Part Invention (Time is Moved), and The Vampires (Skydancer), highlighting a wide range of talented artists.

Hilary Geddes. Photo supplied

Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album nominees include Ack Kinmonth (for The Pout Pout Fish – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Amanda Brown (Deadloch Season 1), Brian Cachia (Beast – Original Motion Picture Score), Caitlin Yeo (Every Little Thing – Official Motion Picture Soundtrack) and Francois Tetaz (My Brilliant Career).

In the Best World Music Album category are: Melbourne Ska Orchestra (Monte Loco Rides Again); Mo’Ju; Nicholas Buc and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Double J Live at the Wireless – Hamer Hall, Melbourne 2023), Not Drowning, Waving (Malira); Tibetan-Australian musician Tenzin Choegyal and renowned composer Philip Glass (Be The Sky), and popular Australian band The Cat Empire (Live At Sydney Opera House).

The awards will take place on 18 November in partnership with Spotify at Sydney’s Horden Pavillion, live-streamed on Paramount+.

Outside the art music categories, Genesis Owusu and Tame Impala lead the awards with eight nominations each in categories including Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Best Alternative Release. Among other artists in Album of the Year category are RnB/Soul artist BOY SODA (Soulstar), DMA’s (DMA’s), rapper Ecca Vandal (Looking For People To Unfollow).

After its introduction into the awards last year, Best Music Festival nominees recognise Spilt Milk, Laneway Festival, Groovin’ the Moo Lismore, Beyond the Valley 2025 and CMC Rocks, supporting the development of live music events in Australia.

“We could not be more thrilled with this list of nominees to celebrate 40 years of Australian music and incredible human artistry,” says ARIA CEO Anabelle Herd. “These records and these amazing artists represent the culmination of 40 years of Australian success in making great music that captures our unique voice and takes it global.”

“As we continue to fight against the relentless assault on our copyright laws by foreign AI companies, this year’s ARIA Awards are a powerful moment to recognise the enduring power of music to give meaning to the human experience, connect Australians through our own stories and inspire us to feel truly alive.”

Public voting for the closes 9 November and the awards will be live-streamed via Paramount+.

Click here to see the full list of nominees and to cast a vote.