One of Australia’s major prizes for realistic portraiture, the $50,000 biennial Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award is non-acquisitive and is among the higher-value portrait painting prizes in the country, attracting hundreds of entries from many of the nation’s leading artists. For the 2026 Award, several changes have been introduced to better support artists. The entry fee has been reduced, and finalists will receive an artist loan fee payment, along with a contribution towards artwork freight costs. The Award is distinctive in its focus – all works must depict the subject accurately and without abstraction, representing a living person known to the artist and aware of the process. This commitment to realistic portraiture has defined the Award since its inception and continues to distinguish it within the national portrait prize landscape. Previous recipients include Lucy Culliton, Shaun Gladwell and Sally Robinson.