The prizes will be handed out at a glittering ceremony in London on March 25 2026 and Harry Potter actress/activist Watson will compete with Henry and John for the top gong of Media Personality of the Year with the musician competing alongside his husband David Furnish.
Other nominees in the category include singer Cat Burns, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan and actress Vicky McClure as well as reality stars Dr Alex George and Sam Thompson among others.
Linda Riley, Founder of the British Diversity Awards, said: “Each year the British Diversity Awards continue to grow in both scale and significance.”
“The 2026 shortlist reflects the incredible commitment, passion and leadership that exists across the UK – from global organisations and household names to unsung heroes making change happen every day.”
Emma Watson
The Media Personality of the Year prize is given to recognise cultural figures who use their platforms to drive meaningful social change, while another award on offer is the Athlete Powering Positive Change prize which will go to a sports star for “the impact they make beyond competition”.
The athletes competing for the prize include footballer Marcus Rashford, Lionesses star Chloe Kelly, Dame Kelly Holmes, swimmer Ellie Simmonds and Olympic sprinter Dina Asher-Smith.
The nominations span 18 categories and also recognise employee networks, diversity teams, initiatives and individuals who are “making a tangible difference across the country”.
Other categories include Outstanding Ethnicity Network of the Year, Outstanding Women’s Network of the Year, Outstanding LGBTQIA Network of the Year, Company of the Year, Community Project of the Year, Diversity Champion, Head of Diversity, Inclusion Belonging, Hero of the Year and Charity or Not-For-Profit of the Year.
At the 2025 British Diversity Awards, the Media Champion of the Year went to model/TV star Christine McGuinness.
Emma Watson
The 2026 British Diversity Awards will take place at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on March 26. The ceremony will be hosted by Dr Ranj Singh and Charlene White while June Sarpong will kick off the proceedings by giving a keynote address.
This year, the awards are expected to draw even greater attention from media and industry insiders alike, with attendance from celebrities, politicians, and business leaders who support diversity and inclusion initiatives. The event promises to showcase inspirational stories of individuals and organisations who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their communities.
Alongside the awards, the organisers have announced that several panel discussions and networking opportunities will take place, allowing attendees to share ideas and strategies for promoting diversity across various sectors. Experts will address topics such as workplace equality, inclusive leadership, and representation in media and sports.
Emma Watson
A notable aspect of the 2026 awards is the increasing recognition of younger voices and emerging leaders. Several nominees in both the Media Personality and Athlete Powering Positive Change categories represent a new generation of advocates who have leveraged social media and public platforms to create tangible social impact. Their work highlights the importance of engagement and activism beyond traditional professional achievements.
Linda Riley has emphasised that these awards are more than just recognition – they are a call to action. By celebrating success stories and best practices, the British Diversity Awards aim to inspire other organisations and individuals to take meaningful steps toward equality and inclusivity. The event continues to position itself as a key driver for social change across the UK.
Preparations for the ceremony are underway, with organisers promising an evening of entertainment, speeches, and performances, alongside the formal presentation of awards. With such a high-profile lineup and carefully curated program, the 2026 British Diversity Awards are set to be a landmark event in celebrating the UK’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Tags:
British Diversity Awards 2026, Media Personality of the Year, Athlete Powering Positive Change, Diversity and Inclusion, UK Awards, Celebrity Activism, Social Impact, Inclusive Leadership, Cultural Figures, London Events
