Genesis Owusu, Julia Jacklin, Swapmeet & More Nominated For 2026 J Awards

29 October 2026 9:38 AM

Mary Varvaris Photo of Mary Varvaris

The winners in each category will be revealed during triple j's Drive on Thursday, 12 November.

J Awards 2026 Nominees(Credit: triple j)

Genesis Owusu Profile

With Ausmusic Month beginning next week, now seems like a good time for triple j to unveil the impressive nominees for the 2026 J Awards.

Now in its 21st year, the J Awards continue to celebrate Australian artists across five separate categories: the triple j Australian Album of the Year, Double J Australian Artist of the Year, Unearthed Artist of the Year, triple j Australian Live Act of the Year, and the rage and triple j Australian Music Video of the Year.

This year, 23 Australian artists and four directors have received nominations. Genesis Owusu leads the charge with three nominations following the release of his third album, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE, with Ecca Vandal, Miss Kaninna, and Julia Jacklin picking up two nominations each.

Elsewhere, some of the country’s most promising up-and-comers, including Kayps and Swapmeet, have secured nominations in the Unearthed Artist of the Year and triple j Australian Album of the Year categories.

Ninajirachi and Tame Impala picked up Australian Live Act of the Year nods, while The Avalanches, Vika & Linda, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, and others have been nominated in the Double J Australian Artist of the Year category.

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The full list of J Award nominees can be found below. triple j Drive will reveal the winners of each category from 3 pm AEDT on Thursday, 12 November.