Attitude Awards 2026 Honour LGBTQ+ Icons Across Entertainment

The Attitude Awards 2026 recognised achievements across music, film, television, comedy and activism with high-profile presenters. The ceremony took place in London on 7 October at the Roundhouse, marking the event's 15th anniversary. It was hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard and featured performances from Orville Peck, the Sugababes, and the cast of PRIDE. The awards were presented in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, M&S, and Polestar.

Michael Johnston, star of the film Obsession, won The Film Award. The Alan Cumming-fronted Channel 4 series Tip Toe won The Television Award. Author and Doctor Who writer Juno Dawson received The Culture Award.

Honours for LGBTQ+ advocacy and allyship

Awards celebrated long-standing support for the LGBTQ+ community from artists and allies across entertainment. Jordan Stephens received The Ally Award for his advocacy for queer representation. Alison Hammond was given the Honorary Gay Award, which was accepted on her behalf by her Big Brother co-star Kate Lawler. Hammond stated the LGBTQ+ community taught her that authenticity is her superpower.

The Inspiration Award went to The Dru Project, which preserves the legacy of Drew Leinonen, a victim of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. Juno Dawson, whose books have sold nearly one million copies, became a prominent trans voice in literature. Jordan Stephens credited his former partner Jade Thirlwall with helping him understand what being an ally meant.

Music and television triumphs

Iconic acts and groundbreaking series received top honours for cultural influence and representation. Pet Shop Boys received The Legend Award after more than four decades in British electronic pop music. The original Sugababes line-up won The Music Award following their reunion and return to the stage.

Comedian Suzi Ruffell received The Comedy Award after a decade of stand-up, three appearances on Live at the Apollo, and a 2025 memoir that became a Sunday Times bestseller. The television award winner, Tip Toe, is a five-part series by Russell T Davies examining LGBTQ+ safety and online radicalisation. It attracted 1.1 million viewers for its linear debut and 2.2 million across linear television and streaming in its first seven days before being picked up by US and Canadian network Starz.

Personal milestones and reflections

Recipients shared personal journeys of identity, recovery and authenticity behind their accolades. Orville Peck was named Man of the Year after releasing Mule, an album about his sobriety and personal recovery. He discussed his low point following a four-year relationship and his decision to quit drinking. He has also expanded into acting with a role in the upcoming Street Fighter film.

Michael Johnston spoke about his sexuality and growing up in a Southern Baptist family in North Carolina. He is currently filming the fourth The Mummy instalment in the UK and confirmed he is not playing Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz’s son. Suzi Ruffell said she was 'delighted' and 'never thought she would be this comfortable in her own skin'.

Other major awards included The Icon Award for Donatella Versace, who stepped down as chief creative officer of Versace in 2025, and The Gamechanger Award for David Furnish, honoured for his work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Award presenters included Sir Ian McKellen, Alesha Dixon, Tom Allen, and Ncuti Gatwa.

Pet Shop Boys are preparing to release their new album A Man from the Future on Friday, October 9.