Despite both bands reaching incredible new heights throughout 2025, melodic hardcore outfit Turnstile and British alternative metal sensation Sleep Token did not take home any trophies at the 2026 BRIT Awards. The ceremony took place on Saturday, February 28, in Manchester, U.K.
Sleep Token, who made significant chart history following the May 2025 release of their latest album, Even In Arcadia, were nominated for Group Of The Year. The mysterious collective ultimately lost the category to Wolf Alice, who took the prize over a nominee pool that also included The Last Dinner Party, Pulp, and Wet Leg. This follows a similarly quiet night at the Grammy Awards earlier this month, where Sleep Token lost Best Rock Song to Nine Inch Nails and Best Metal Performance to Turnstile.
While Turnstile struck out at the BRIT Awards in the International Group Of The Year category—losing to Geese in a group of nominees that also featured Haim, HUNTR/X, and Tame Impala—the Baltimore band is still riding high off their recent Grammy success. At that ceremony, they secured two massive wins, taking home Best Metal Performance for the track “Birds” (edging out Sleep Token, Ghost, and others) and Best Rock Album for their record NEVER ENOUGH.
While the two modern heavyweights missed out on competitive awards, heavy metal was still properly celebrated during the ceremony, with the late Ozzy Osbourne receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Delivering an emotional, Sharon addressed the crowd:
“I’m honored to accept this award for my gorgeous husband. God knows I wish he was here to accept it himself… Ozzy is looking down on us right now… He rose to become one of the most recognizable and respected musicians. … To be honest with you, he was the most humble egomaniac you will ever meet. At the end of the day, he will always be a rock star… If Ozzy was here tonight … he would be so proud to receive this from the country that he loved.”
The 2026 BRIT Awards were hosted by Jack Whitehall and broadcast exclusively on ITV and ITVX. This year’s custom winner’s trophy was designed by acclaimed Manchester-born artist Matthew Williamson.
