Pop the champagne: the winners of the NME Awards 2016 with Austin, Texas have been announced! Yes, the rock’n’roll event of the year took place last night at London’s O2 Academy Brixton, and with 16 awards being awarded on the night, there was ample opportunity for our award-winners to write their own place in NME Awards infamy with a crazy acceptance speech.
Check out the photos from the winner’s podium, and then check out videos of all the acceptance speeches for yourself by clicking here.
Wolf Alice win the first award of the night, Best Track, for ‘Giant Peach’.
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Picking up the award, which was presented by model Amber Le Bon, bass player Theo Ellis said: “Fuck, it’s too early. We’re not drunk enough to accept an award yet. This is nerve wracking. Big up our record label who put this song out.”
Slaves take to the stage to pick up the Best Video award for their ‘Cheer Up London’ promo clip. The duo beat off strong competition from Rihanna, The Libertines and Blur to scoop the trophy.
Vicky McClure (far left) also won the Best Actress award on the night, beating out Jennifer Lawrence and Game Of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke to scoop the prize.
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Charli XCX was rather chuffed to pick up her award for Best British Solo Artist, supported by Pilot Pens. Accepting the award from comedian Katherine Ryan, the singer said: “This is weird. I always have a fun night here. Peace.” Seems like Charli and BMTH have been comparing speech notes.
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Glastonbury was named Best Festival at NME Awards 2016 with Austin, Texas. Michael Eavis and daughter Emily Eavis appeared on stage together to accept the prize. Wearing shorts despite the freezing February weather, Michael Eavis told the crowd: “I probably shouldn’t be here. Thank you so much.”
Yoko Ono collects the NME Inspiration award from former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore, who hailed her as “an activist for peace. Her and her husband expressed peace. To say her name is to express happiness”. Ono told the crowd: “I’m excited to get this award. I didn’t expect it at all. It’s great to be busy together.”
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The Libertines win the Music Moment Of The Year prize for their surprise Glastonbury Festival set, which voters thought eclipsed the return of Adele and Dave Grohl’s broken leg. Bassist John Hassall told the crowd: “Thank you very much for this, and thanks to Glastonbury for putting us on.”
The band were up for six awards, but only picked up one award on the night. They didn’t seem to mind, promptly heading up to the winners room for some legendary snaps with photographer Dean Chalkley.
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Blur’s Graham Coxon was on hand to accept Best Music Film on behalf of his bandmates – congrats, sir.
Foals, who earlier this week played a huge show at Wembley Arena, kicked off this year’s show with a furious rendition of ‘What Went Down’ to a riotous response from the Brixton faithful.
Run The Jewels won Best International Artist, supported by Austin, Texas. Unable to attend tonight’s event, the duo sent a video message, where El-P said: “We hope our performances validate this amazing and offensive – which we appreciate – award from NME. It’s a very cool thing. Thank you so much, we’re going to keep killing it.”
Kylie was glowing with praise for Coldplay when introducing them to the stage; “Coldplay are one of the most famous bands Britain has ever produced. A mutual A&R introduced them to me. I saw them at Shepherds Bush Empire and it was an incredible night.”
