Olivier Awards 2026 – nominees, performances, broadcast details and everything you need to know

It’s that time of year again!

The Olivier Awards with Cunard are celebrating their 50th year with another star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, and this year, Nick Mohammed will host for the first time.

Ahead of this Sunday’s event, here’s our handy guide for everything you need to know.

And a heads up, WhatsOnStage will be on the green carpet, in the winner’s room and beyond – so keep an eye on our channel for updates.

Who’s nominated?

There are a bunch of exciting nominees across all of the categories this year. First-time nominees include Evita stars Rachel Zegler and Diego Andres Rodriguez, as well as Cate Blanchett and Rosamund Pike. Meanwhile, seasoned stage vets Katie Brayben, Jenna Russell, Tracie Bennett, and Tom Hiddleston are among those who could add another trophy to their mantelpiece.

Excitingly, there are several instances of double nominees across categories – including Georgina Onuorah up for both Supporting Actress in a Musical and Lead Actress in a Musical, shared with Danielle Fiamanya, and James Hameed and Arti Shah are jointly nominated for bringing Paddington Bear to life. Sean Hayes is also up for two awards, as are Zachary Hart, Jack Holden and Tom Scutt.

Into the Woods and Paddington The Musical led the way with 11 nominations each, with three plays tied with six nominations each: All My Sons, Kenrex and Stereophonic.

Take a read of the biggest shocks, surprises and delightful moments from the nominations. Read the nominations in full.

Who will win?

Of course, we can’t say for sure, but a little speculation can’t hurt! We’ve tried our hand at the performer and show categories, but can’t place which show is the frontrunner for Best Musical Revival… You can read the predictions from our editor-in-chief, Alex Wood, here, and remember to let us know yours!

Who’s performing?

Opening this year’s Olivier Awards will be a special performance from Phantom of the Opera, which is celebrating 40 years in the West End this year. There will also be performances from nominated musicals Paddington The Musical, Evita, Into The Woods, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Shucked and The Producers. A thrillifying performance from Wicked will conclude the show to mark its 20th anniversary in the capital.

Who’s presenting?

As mentioned, Nick Mohammed is on hosting duties this year. Mohammed is a double Emmy-nominated actor, comedian and writer, known for playing Nate in the television series Ted Lasso – alongside previous Oliviers host, Hannah Waddingham. His screen work also includes Slow Horses and Intelligence, which he created, wrote and executive produced. He has also appeared widely across British and international television and film.

Handing out the trophies will be a who’s who of famous faces! They feature names from the theatre community and beyond, including Adjoa Andoh, Monica Barbaro, Danielle de Niese, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Minnie Driver and Ambika Mod, David Harewood, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Wayne McGregor, Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren, Richard Osman, Arlene Phillips, Aaron Pierre and Olivia Williams, Johannes Radebe, Sam Ryder, Russell Tovey, Vanessa Williams and Matt Willis.

How can I watch?

The Olivier Awards will be broadcast on BBC television and radio. A two-hour BBC special will run on BBC 2 and iPlayer from 7pm to 9pm, while over on BBC Radio 2, Jo Whiley will present a two-hour special with “VIP backstage access” from 8pm to 10pm, covering Elaine Paige on Sunday (presumably while Paige is honoured at the event). Viewers outside of the UK can tune into Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel to watch the highlights programme from 7pm BST.

Where can I get my updates?

WhatsOnStage will be providing updates across all of our social media: TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, from the green carpet right up to celebrating with the newly-minted winners! On site, you can use our handy guide below for news stories as they’re published.