Nathan Beard has been named the winner of Australia's National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026. His winning entry is a portrait of his Thai-born aunt, Mae Khong, who was recuperating after a debilitating fall.
Judges praised Beard's portrait for its 'immediate and compelling emotional pull' and for offering insight into the relationship between the artist and subject. The competition received over 1,000 entries, with 30 finalists selected.
The exhibition featuring the finalists, including Beard's winning work, is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. The first-place prize includes a $30,000 cash award.