NTAs 2026 shortlist: Ruth Jones and Sheridan Smith among all-women drama category in show first
The 2026 National Television Awards shortlist features an all-female drama performance category for the first time. The list includes notable British talent and programs such as 'The Traitors' and Sir David Attenborough.
Why it matters
The awards reflect current trends in British television and cultural shifts regarding representation in performance categories.
Ahead of one of the biggest and most exciting nights in British telly, the National Television Awards has officially revealed its 2026 shortlist – with some impressive talent and beloved shows up for an accolade or two. For the first time ever, the drama performance category has an all-female list of nominees – whittled down from an extensive longlist – with popular stars Sheridan Smith, Ruth Jones, and Judy Parfitt among them. Both I'm a Celebrity and The Traitors have received double nominations within the reality television category, thanks to the success of their respective star-studded spinoff shows, and broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough has also been shortlisted twice, in the year that the nation celebrated his 100th birthday. Scroll down to see the full NTAs shortlist for 2026, ahead of the ceremony – hosted by Joel Dommett – on 8 September.
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