The Juno Awards will introduce a new category for Latin music recording of the year at the 2026 ceremony, showcasing a commitment to recognizing diverse Canadian music.

This decision comes in response to criticism regarding the Junos' previous lack of support for Latin music, which was the only major genre without its own category.

Co-Chairs Martín Añón and Ricardo Taco highlighted the significance of this new category in elevating Latin music and sharing cultural heritage with a broader audience.

A national report from October 2024 noted the rise of Latin music in Canada and called for increased industry support, identifying challenges that hinder representation and investment.

The proposal for the new category received strong backing, with over 50 endorsement letters from the music community.

In addition to the new Latin music category, the Junos have previously added a South Asian music category and split the Indigenous category to honor both contemporary and traditional Indigenous artists.

Changes are also being made to the rap categories, which now require at least 50% of the vocals in rap singles and albums to be performed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Submissions for the 2026 Juno Awards will open on September 22, 2025, with key deadlines including an early bird submission on October 3, 2025, and a final deadline on November 6, 2025.

The 55th annual Juno Awards will take place in Hamilton, Ontario, from March 26 to March 29, 2026, with the main show being broadcast from the TD Coliseum, which is undergoing a $290 million renovation.

Local support for the event is strong, with Hamilton contributing $500,000 and an additional $300,000 from the Hamilton Tourism Development Corporation.

CARAS president and CEO Allan Reid emphasized Hamilton's vibrant music scene and cultural heritage as key factors in selecting the city to host the awards.

For detailed information on submission eligibility and category criteria, individuals are encouraged to visit the official Juno Awards website.