The List Festival Awards at W Edinburgh

Following the success of the first two editions of The List Festival Awards, the ceremony will return to Edinburgh in August 2026 to celebrate the outstanding breadth of talent showcased across the city’s world-famous festivals. Taking place at W Edinburgh on Friday 28 August, the awards will once again honour exceptional artists, productions and cultural contributors from across the Edinburgh Festivals, reflecting the extraordinary diversity of work presented during August. The List Festival Awards recognise achievements spanning visual art, literature, film, theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret, continuing The List’s long-standing commitment to championing both Scottish and international creativity during the city’s busiest and most exciting cultural season, with each winner receiving a cash prize. Previous ceremonies have been hosted by Edinburgh’s Makar Michael Pedersen and BBC Radio 6 presenter Gemma Cairney, while past winners include Bebe Cave, Phil Ellis, Hamish Halley, Pussy Riot, Natalie Palamides and Lewis Major. This year’s awards categories include Edinburgh Art Festival’s Best Rising Scottish Artist, Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Best Rising Scottish Author, Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Best Scottish Film, Edinburgh International Festival’s Best International Show, and a range of Edinburgh Festival Fringe awards, including Best LGBTQIA+ Show, Best Dance, Circus & Physical Theatre Show, Best Comedy Show, Best Kids Show, Best Show From Adelaide, the International Fringe Encore Series Edinburgh Prize and the Spirit Of The Fringe Award. The Stand will also join The List this year to present a new award, alongside a new List award for Best Cabaret Show.