When the Brit Award categories for best artist and best international artist changed to gender neutral shortlists a few years ago, there was hope that this would signal a welcome change in music – promoting diversity and inclusivity.

However, the 2023 nominations for the best artist award featured no women on the shortlist.

This year’s Brits also attracted criticism for its combined best pop and R&B category, which was dominated by pop acts such as Harry Styles and Dua Lipa. The lack of R&B acts on the shortlist led to singer Mahalia expressing her disappointment via a Burberry jacket on the red carpet with the words “Long Live R’n’B” painted on her back.

When Harry Styles picked up the award for best artist, he dedicated his speech to the female artists who were overlooked: “I’m very aware of my privilege up here tonight, so this award is for Rina [Sawayama], Charli [XCX], Florence, Mabel and Becky [Hill] – thank you so much.”

The Brit Awards have changed their rules after being criticised for a lack of diversity