Leading contenders include singer-songwriter James Bay, electronica trio Years & Years and DJ Calvin Harris.
U.S. band Eagles Of Death Metal, whose concert was targeted in the Paris attacks, is up against U2 in the international group category.
Coldplay could make Brit Awards history if they take home the British group gong.
The band has won the the award in 2012, 2003 and 2001 and will break the record for most wins in the category if they are successful again this year.
The four-piece come up against Adele in the British album category, which they have also won three times before in 2006, 2003 and 2001.
The nominees for British breakthrough act will also be hoping to avoid award ceremony history repeating itself, thanks to the lack of success of previous winners.
More than a third of winning acts in the category have failed to score any chart hits 12 months after collecting the title - while three winners never troubled the top 40 again.
Today's show will feature a special tribute to David Bowie, who died of cancer just days after celebrating his 69th birthday.
He was named best British male twice - in 1984 and 2014 - and received the outstanding contribution to British music award in 1996.
Brits chairman Max Lousada said: "David Bowie was one of the most important and influential songwriters and performers ever and, like so many fans around the world, we're devastated to hear of his loss.
"A visionary and groundbreaking pioneer, he has inspired generations of musicians and will continue to shape music for many years to come. Naturally, we wish to honour his extraordinary life and work at the forthcoming Brit Awards and pay a fitting tribute to one of our greatest icons."
• UKTV will screen the full Brits ceremony 7.30pm Thursday.
- AP
