The National Portrait Gallery in London will host the annual edition of the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award from 10 July to 12 October 2025. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious painting competitions in the world, the award is open to artists from all over the globe and celebrates excellence in contemporary portraiture, offering a major platform for both emerging and established talent. Established in 1980, the competition offers significant cash prizes and, over its 45-year history, has attracted more than 40.000 entries from over 100 countries, with a total audience of more than 6 million visitors. Winning works are selected through an anonymous judging process that ensures impartiality and focuses solely on artistic quality. In 2024, the first prize was awarded to Antony Williams for Jacqueline with Still Life, a tempera portrait that impressed the jury with its refined composition and technical mastery. Second prize went to Isabella Watling for Zizi, while third prize was awarded to Catherine Chambers for Lying. The Young Artist Award was given to American artist Rebecca Orcutt for Before it’s Ruined (or an Unrealized Mean Side).
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