The 2026 Juno Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, and several Manitoba artists are vying for big honours. Begonia secured her third-ever nomination with Alternative Album of the Year for “Fantasy Life.” Singer-songwriter William Prince, who grew up in Peguis First Nation, scored his sixth nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for “Further From the Country.” He’s also set to take the stage at the award show. The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra earned its first nomination for Jazz Album of the Year (Group) for “East Meets West: Connections.” Meanwhile, former Manitoba residents also are receiving recognition this year. Sebastian Gaskin received a nomination for Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year. Haley Gene Penner is up for Songwriter of the Year (Non-performer), and Karen Kosowski for Jack Richardson Producer of the Year. According to Manitoba Music, there are two more groups/artists with ties to the province. The Canadian Chamber Choir, which is up for Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) features five Manitoba musicians, and Nicole Lizée, who is up for Classical Composition of the Year for “Music for Body-Without-Organs” went to school in Manitoba. The 55th Juno Awards will be hosted by Mae Martin and kicks off in Hamilton on March 29.
