NRJ Music Awards 2026 in Cannes
Category : Events
On 23 October 2026, Cannes will once again host one of its most popular annual events: the NRJ Music Awards.
The ceremony returns to the Palais des Festivals for its 28th edition, celebrating the French and international artists who have shaped the year. For one evening, the atmosphere around the Croisette changes completely as artists, fans, media teams and production crews gather around the red carpet and live performances.
If you are looking for information about the NRJ Music Awards 2026 in Cannes, here is what you need to know before the ceremony.
When are the NRJ Music Awards 2026?
The NRJ Music Awards 2026 will take place on Friday 23 October 2026 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on TF1 and NRJ.
As every year, the public has an important role in deciding the winners, with voting open across the different categories.
Votes remain open until midday on 23 October, only a few hours before the ceremony begins.
Which artists are nominated for the NRJ Music Awards 2026?
The list of nominees brings together established artists, rising talent and major international stars.
Among the French-speaking artists nominated this year are Aya Nakamura, Angèle, Gims, Orelsan, Vitaa, Theodora, Marine, M. Pokora and Bigflo & Oli.
The international categories also feature some of the biggest names in music, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Shakira, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo and Raye.
David Guetta is also one of the most visible artists in this year’s nominations, appearing in several categories.
This mix of pop, rap, electronic music and new talent remains one of the defining features of the NRJ Music Awards.
Aya Nakamura and David Guetta among the most nominated artists
Two names stand out particularly in the 2026 nominations: Aya Nakamura and David Guetta.
Aya Nakamura appears in the Francophone Female Artist category, as well as in other selections linked to her collaborations and recent releases.
David Guetta is also nominated across several categories, including DJ and international collaboration awards.
Their presence reflects the balance that has long defined the ceremony: a strong French identity alongside artists with a truly international audience.
A night when Cannes takes on a different atmosphere
The NRJ Music Awards feel very different from the other major events held at the Palais des Festivals.
Here, the public is part of the atmosphere.
Several hours before the live broadcast, fans begin gathering around the Palais, technical teams prepare the venue and artist arrivals quickly draw attention to the Croisette.
Once the evening begins, everything centres on the Palais: the red carpet, live performances, award presentations and reactions from the audience.
Even without attending the ceremony inside, the event brings a noticeable energy to central Cannes.
How to watch the NRJ Music Awards 2026
The ceremony will be broadcast live on TF1 and NRJ on Friday 23 October.
The public can also vote for their favourite artists until the day of the event.
Winners will be announced throughout the evening across the different categories.
For voting information, the full nominee list and the latest updates before the ceremony, visit the official NRJ Music Awards website:
https://www.nrj.fr/music-
Staying near the Palais des Festivals during the NRJ Music Awards
Hotel 7Art is located in central Cannes, around 100 metres from the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals.
During the NRJ Music Awards, this location makes it easy to stay close to the atmosphere without relying on a car or a long journey across the city.
The Palais, restaurants, shopping streets, train station and Old Port are all within easy walking distance of the hotel.
For an event centred almost entirely around downtown Cannes, that makes a real difference. Guests can enjoy the city before the ceremony, reach the Palais within minutes and walk back to the hotel after the evening.
With an identity inspired by cinema and creativity, Hotel 7Art also fits naturally into an event built around performance, image and entertainment.
NRJ Music Awards 2026: key information
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Venue: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes
Edition: 28th ceremony
Broadcast: live on TF1 and NRJ
Voting: open until midday on 23 October
The NRJ Music Awards remain one of the biggest public entertainment events held in Cannes outside the Film Festival.
With international artists, live performances, the red carpet and public voting, all eyes will once again turn to the Palais des Festivals on 23 October.
CREDIT
@NRJMusicAwards