The Sky Arts Awards are an unmissable evening of celebration, rewarding excellence across the arts. Broadcast straight into your living room on Sky Arts and Freeview, the ceremony is a powerful showcase of British and Irish arts and culture.
Each year, we recognise outstanding contributions across 11 art forms: Classical Music, Comedy, Dance, Film, Literature, Opera, Poetry, Popular Music, Theatre, TV, and Visual Arts. Special honours also include The Times Breakthrough Award, The Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Arts Hero Award—each celebrating game-changers, visionaries, and tireless champions of the arts.
But this is far more than just an awards show. The ceremony features a dazzling line-up of exclusive musical and artistic performances, bringing together talent and creativity in one-of-a-kind collaborations you won’t see anywhere else.
At Sky Arts, we believe the arts are essential. They fuel our economy, unite communities, and bring meaning and joy to our lives. They help us understand the world—and ourselves. Whether we’re watching a play, reading a novel, dancing at a gig, or simply turning on the TV, the arts are with us, always.
The Sky Arts Awards are more than a celebration. It’s a rallying cry to protect and support the arts across the UK—and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who keeps creativity alive, often against the odds.
Mark your calendars: the 2026 Sky Arts Awards take centre stage on Tuesday 13 October, live from The Roundhouse, London. With a new wave of extraordinary nominees, this year’s ceremony promises unforgettable moments and creative inspiration in abundance.
This year’s Awards will be hosted by the fabulous Sir Grayson Perry and Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem).
Sir Grayson Perry is one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists, renowned for his distinctive ceramics and tapestries, and for his incisive explorations of identity, class and culture.
Winner of the Turner Prize in 2003, Grayson has built a career that spans visual art, television, publishing and performance, establishing him as a major cultural figure in the UK.
By combining outstanding craftsmanship with sharp social commentary, he has expanded audiences for the arts and challenged the way we think about identity, class and modern British life.
Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem) is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer and actor whose fearless, witty and emotionally honest work has earned her place as one of Britain’s most distinctive creative voices.
Rising to prominence with her Mercury Prize-nominated album Prioritise Pleasure, Rebecca has received widespread acclaim for her bold blend of pop, R&B and electronic influences, as well as her powerful advocacy for self-expression, empowerment and individuality.
Loved for her dynamic live performances and uncompromising artistry, Rebecca has also gained recognition for her work across theatre and television.
2025
The 2025 Sky Arts Awards were hosted by comedian, musician, writer, actor, director, presenter, and lifelong champion of the arts, Bill Bailey on 16 September.
An unforgettable evening that recognised the extraordinary achievements of musical legend Bob Geldof with the Lifetime Achievement Award and celebrated the next generation of talent, including Lola Young and Owen Cooper. Diane Carroll received our Arts Hero Award for her work at Òran Mór in Glasgow.
2024
The 2024 Sky Arts Awards were hosted by comedian, activist, presenter, painter and the nation’s appointed Mummy, Joe Lycett, and took place on Tuesday 17 September at The Roundhouse.
These inaugural awards were a vibrant celebration of artistic achievement—from breakout talents like The Last Dinner Party to cultural milestones like Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. The evening also honoured broadcasting legend Melvyn Bragg with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and NHS nurse and choir singer Sally Spencer as our 2024 Arts Hero.