Just when you thought the buzz from Chris Stapleton’s album 'Higher' had settled, his song 'White Horse' is kicking up dust again. The reason? Its stunning, year-old music video is now a major contender at the upcoming 2026 CMA Awards.
A Short Film in Three Minutes
Let's be clear:
the music video for 'White Horse' is less of a promotional clip and more of a gritty, cinematic short film. Released back in November 2025, it stars acclaimed actor Josh Brolin as a world-weary sheriff in a tense Western narrative shot in the stark landscapes of Marfa, Texas. Directed by Running Bear Films, the video tells a self-contained story of a chase, a robbery, and the complex relationship between Brolin’s character and his on-the-run daughter. Stapleton himself makes a quiet, powerful appearance, but the focus is on storytelling that feels more at home in a Coen brothers movie than on country music television. This ambition is precisely why, a full year after its debut, it has landed a coveted nomination for Music Video of the Year.
Playing the Long Game for Awards Season
The 'return' of 'White Horse' to the forefront is a masterclass in awards strategy. The CMA eligibility period for the 2026 awards ran from July 2025 through June 2026. By releasing a video of this caliber in November 2025, Stapleton’s team placed a powerful marker down for this year's race. It was a strategic move to create a lasting piece of art that would remain top-of-mind when voters began filling out their ballots nearly a year later. The video wasn't just a release; it was an investment in a long-tail conversation. Now, with the awards just days away on November 18, that investment is paying off by reminding the industry of the artistic weight behind the song.
More Than a Single Nomination
The 'White Horse' nomination doesn't exist in a vacuum. It’s a key part of Stapleton’s formidable presence at this year’s ceremony. He’s also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year and the night’s top prize, Entertainer of the Year. In a tight race, a high-profile, critically praised project like the 'White Horse' video serves as a powerful closing argument. It reinforces his brand as an uncompromising artist dedicated to quality over quantity. While other artists might rely on a recent string of radio hits, Stapleton is reminding voters of a powerful artistic statement he made a year ago, proving its enduring impact and bolstering his case for the night's biggest honors.
A Double Dose of Stapleton on Stage
As if a major nomination wasn't enough, recent announcements confirm Stapleton is set to be a major presence on the broadcast itself. He is scheduled to perform twice during the November 18th show. One performance will be with Mumford & Sons, and another will be a collaboration with fellow nominee Stephen Wilson Jr. This dual-slot booking is a significant vote of confidence from the CMA and guarantees Stapleton will be a central figure of the night, regardless of the award outcomes. The combination of a strong video contender and significant screen time ensures that, one way or another, the story of the 60th Annual CMA Awards will have a major chapter dedicated to Chris Stapleton.
