The Archibald Prize 2026 finalists have been unveiled, showcasing 59 portraits selected from more than 1,000 entries. The prestigious $100,000 award is given to the best portrait of a person 'distinguished in art, letters, science or politics' painted by an Australian resident. Notably, 42% of this year's finalists are first-time entrants.
The exhibition opens at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on 9 May, the day after the winner is announced. Among the finalists are portraits of notable figures such as Nicole Kidman, Aaron Chen, Jackie O, and many others.
Highlights from the Finalists
Loribelle Spirovski's 'Fingerpainting of Daniel Johns' features the musician Daniel Johns. The Packing Room prize was awarded to Sean Layh for 'The tragicall historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke', with sitter Jacob Collins.
Other standout portraits include 'Anna' by Técha Noble (sitter Anna Plunkett), 'Layne Beachley AO' by Stephanie Galloway Brown (sitter Layne Beachley), and 'My friend' by Julia Dover (sitter Ahmed al-Ahmed). Vincent Namatjira's self-portrait 'The Dust Bowl' is also among the finalists.
Diverse Subjects and Artists
The finalists cover a wide range of sitters, from celebrities to everyday individuals. Sindy Sinn's 'Keep on stingin' depicts Adam Hyde (aka Keli Holiday), while Vicki Sullivan's 'Peace actually' features Jan Fran. Mitch Cairns painted author Gerald Murnane, and Andrea Wilson portrayed architect Richard Leplastrier.
Marikit Santiago's collaborative piece 'Even doves have pride' includes sitter Khaled Sabsabi. Juan Ford painted actress Chloé Hayden, and Dale Rhodes captured Susie Porter. Caroline Zilinsky's 'Two Zimmermanns' features fashion designers Nicky and Simone Zimmermann.
Thom Roberts painted Oliver Watts in 'George Harrison is turning 50', and Richard Lewer depicted Iluwanti Ken. James Powditch's portrait of Governor-General Sam Mostyn is titled 'Once upon a time in Yarralumla'. Meagan Pelham painted Jessica Rowe, and Drew Bickford captured the Philippou brothers (RackaRacka).
Taryn Cameron-Smith's 'Nanakorobi yaoki' features Akira Isogawa, while David Darcy painted Dale Frank. Amanda Davies depicted Marta Dusseldorp, and Robert Fielding painted Adrian Dodd. Tsering Hannaford's portrait of Loribelle Spirovski is titled 'Portrait of Loribelle Spirovski (after Dürer)'. Liam Nunan's 'The cost of flowers' features Sheridan Harbridge, and Stieg Persson painted Virginia Trioli and Cora. Kean Onn See captured William Yang, and Michael Zavros painted Alex Ryvchin. Loribelle Spirovski's 'Fingerpainting of Daniel Johns' rounds out the selection.
The Archibald Prize continues to celebrate portraiture and Australian talent, with this year's finalists demonstrating a rich diversity of styles and subjects.
