Mark Ronson pays emotional tribute to Amy Winehouse after BRITs Outstanding Contribution win
mark ronson paid an emotional tribute to the late Amy Winehouse as he collected the Outstanding Contribution to Music prize at the BRIT Awards, calling the honour the most meaningful of his career. The 50-year-old accepted the prize at Saturday's ceremony in Manchester and noted that this week marks 20 years since he first met Winehouse.
Ronson links Back to Black and a life-changing meeting with Amy Winehouse
The record producer recalled that he and Amy Winehouse wrote the iconic hit "Back to Black" together on the "same day, " a moment he said "changed his life forever. " On stage he told the crowd, "It means so much to me to get this award, " framing the trophy around that early collaboration and the bond he shared with the late singer.
Receiving the prize from Skepta and an onstage homage with Ghostface Killah
Mark Ronson received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award from Skepta before taking the stage to perform "Ooh Wee" with Ghostface Killah. He then paid homage to Winehouse with a rendition of "Back to Black" that included a clip of the late star talking about him, and a segment of "Valerie" alongside Amy's band The Dap-Kings.
Surprise appearances and performances: Uptown Funk, Dua Lipa and more
The tribute set was followed by a performance of "Uptown Funk" and a surprise appearance from Dua Lipa, who sang "Dance The Night" from the Barbie soundtrack and the collaboration "Electricity. " mark ronson also used his acceptance to thank collaborators including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa, saying the music he made with Amy provided him the platform to work with them.
Ronson's statement on the award and his British roots
Earlier this month he described the BRIT Award as the most "meaningful honour" of his career, saying: "This is the most meaningful honour of my career. I think of the times I've watched artists I revere accept this same award. The idea that I'm now standing in that lineage feels impossible. " Born in London and raised in New York, the chart-topping star said he feels proud of his British roots: "I left England as a kid, but this country runs through everything I've made. The UK artists I've worked with - their brilliance and refusal to compromise - shaped not just my work but how I understand what music should do. And more than anything, it's the crowds here who've sustained and showed up for me. The fans, the festival crowds, the record buyers and streamers - the love has always been overwhelming. I'm beyond grateful for all of it. "
Night summary: Olivia Dean and the awards sweep
Also notable on the night, Olivia Dean swept the floor by taking home four awards, winning in every category she was nominated for at the ceremony in Manchester.
The coverage was filed by Connie Rusk, Associate Showbusiness Editor; the piece was timestamped 01: 34 GMT on 01 Mar 2026 and updated at 02: 21 GMT on 01 Mar 2026.
