what is the mercury prize

The Mercury Prize is an annual music award given to the best album released by a musical act from the United Kingdom or Ireland over the previous 12 months. It was established in 1992 as an alternative to the Brit Awards, focusing on originality, creativity, and artistic merit rather than commercial success. The prize is open to all genres of music, including pop, rock, folk, urban, grime, dance, jazz, blues, electronica, and classical. A panel of independent judges made up of musicians, producers, journalists, and other industry figures selects a shortlist of 12 "Albums of the Year" solely based on musical quality. The winner receives a cash prize of £25,000 and a special trophy, while all shortlisted artists receive a specially commissioned trophy. Beyond the monetary reward, winning or being shortlisted often results in significant increases in public awareness, album sales, and industry respect. The prize aims to highlight artistic achievement and showcase a snapshot of the year's best music from UK and Irish artists, sometimes acting as a springboard for lesser-known acts. Notable winners include PJ Harvey, the only artist to have won twice, Arctic Monkeys, Skepta, and Sam Fender, the latest winner announced in 2025. The award ceremony typically takes place in October and has garnered a reputation similar to prestigious awards in other arts, such as the Booker Prize for literature or the Turner Prize for art. The Mercury Prize strives to promote innovation and creativity in music across a broad range of styles without genre restrictions.