ARIA Awards 2026 Criteria

ARIA has unveiled a series of updates to the 2026 ARIA Awards, including new guidelines surrounding the use of AI.

Under the updated rules, recordings that incorporate AI-generated elements may be entered, provided a human remains the primary creator.

AI cannot be the sole or central component of an eligible recording, and any AI tools used during the creative process must be authorised and used lawfully.

Other updates to the ARIA Awards include the return of Best Alternative Release and broader eligibility for Best Original Soundtrack.

The 2026 awards, presented in partnership with Spotify, will take place on Wednesday, November 18, at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.