Brit Awards host Jack Whitehall made sure the occasion did not pass without an acknowledgement about the lack of women among this year’s nominees.
The comedian made a quip about the male-heavy nominees as he fronted Tuesday night’s ceremony, after the awards faced criticism for not recognising any women in the Album Of The Year or Group Of The Year categories.
Introducing the Best Female Solo Artist category, Jack joked: “Environmental issues have been a big theme of awards show this year. And in the spirit of sustainability the Brits has been recycling all the same excuses for why so few women were nominated.”
Mabel and Billie Eilish were the only women to win on the night, taking home Best Female Solo artist and Best International Female Solo Artist respectively.
British singer/songwriter Celeste had already been awarded this year’s newly-renamed Rising Star prize, but was there on Tuesday to make a speech.
Foals lamented the lack of females in the Best Group category as they made their acceptance speech after winning the prize.
Frontman Yannis Philippakis said: “Hopefully next year we’ll see some more women in this category.”
Former Best Female Solo Artist winner Paloma Faith also referenced the lack of women recognised this year as she presented the award for Best International Male Solo Artist, which eventually went to Tyler, The Creator.
She remarked: “We’re here to award an unrepresented category, the men.”
During his speech for Best Male Solo Artist, Stormzy took a moment to recognise the contribution women in his team have made to his career.
“To be the Best Male, I have got the most incredible females in my team,” he said.
“You lot are the greatest, the Best Male is nothing without the Best Females. I love you guys. To every single person who supported me, I love you. Thank you guys.”
Lewis Capaldi walked away as the big winner at this year’s Brits, winning two awards.
However, it was Dave who was awarded the biggest prize of the night with PSYCHODRAMA named Album Of The Year.
Check out the full list of winners here.