The Grammys Are Finally Rewarding Album Covers

Something new is coming to the Grammys in 2026: a dedicated award for album covers.

For the first time in more than 50 years, the Recording Academy will recognize album artwork as its own category, separating it from broader “recording package” awards that previously grouped visuals with physical materials like liner notes and packaging.

The new category honors the creative teams behind album covers, including art directors, designers, photographers, and in many cases, the musicians themselves.

This year’s nominees include covers from artists such as Wet Leg, Bad Bunny (for Debí Tirar Más Fotos), Tyler, the Creator (for Chromakopia), Perfume Genius, and Djo. In most cases, both the recording artists and visual collaborators are credited.

According to the Recording Academy, the update is meant to better reflect how visual identity contributes to an album’s cultural impact. The new category will make its debut at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026.