Wildlife Photographer of the Year reveals shortlisted photographs for highly anticipated Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026
It’s back – run by Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum, London, and supported by Lead Corporate Sponsor, Nuveen, the People’s Choice photography contest returns with an incredible line-up of twenty-four images. These images are in the running to be crowned the winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026, with online voting open now for anyone anywhere in the world.
The shortlisted photographs were chosen from 60,636 entries from 113 countries and territories, in addition to the 100 winning images announced in October 2025. The images were selected by the Natural History Museum, London, and an international judging panel of photography, wildlife, conservation and science experts.
From a spectacular superpod of spinner dolphins to a touching moment between a sloth parent and offspring, the twenty-four images spotlight the beauty and magnificence of our natural world. The set also highlights powerful stories about the harsh realities our planet’s wildlife is facing, including shrinking sea ice, human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade. As with all Wildlife Photographer of the Year images, this impactful shortlist will help create advocates for our planet.
Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, London, says: “No matter where you are in the world, it’s time to join the jury and vote in the Nuveen People’s Choice Award to select the photograph set for display in our flagship exhibition here at the Natural History Museum. Whether showcasing fascinating behaviour or platforming a powerful story, this year's selection of images is truly exceptional, and we can't wait to see which one will be chosen as the public's favourite!”
The public can vote for their favourite image either online or via digital screens in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London. Voting closes on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
The winning image and the four runners-up will be announced on Wednesday 25 March 2026. The winning image will be displayed in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, with the winner and runners-up also set to be showcased on the voting screens until the exhibition closes on Sunday 12 July 2026.
Our Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is supported by Lead Corporate Sponsor, Nuveen.
- Adult tickets from £18.00*, concession tickets £14.40*, and child tickets £9*. Off-peak Adult tickets from £15.50, off-peak concession ticket £12.40, and off-peak child ticket £7.75 (*Prices excluding optional Gift Aid donation to the Museum)
- The exhibition is open Monday – Sunday, 10.00-17.50 (last admission at 16.30), and weekends sell out quickly
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 35, edited by Keith Wilson and with a foreword by Kathy Moran, is now available, RRP £28
Social Media
If using our images on social media, please use the following tags:
Instagram: @nhm_wpy
Facebook: /WildlifePhotographerOfTheYear
#NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward
About Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Now in its sixty-first year, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the Natural History Museum, London’s, global platform for the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism. Our annual competition, receiving over 60,000 entries, is open to photographers of all ages, nationalities and experience levels.
With our touring exhibition and outreach activities engaging millions around the globe every year, we invite ever more people to celebrate and advocate for the natural world. This year, we are touring across the UK and internationally to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, with more locations to be confirmed.
About the Natural History Museum, London
The Natural History Museum, London, is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy. Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive. We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life. Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today.
Protecting the planet. It's in our nature.
About Nuveen
Nuveen is a global investment leader, managing $1.4T in public and private assets for clients around the world. With broad expertise across income and alternatives, we invest in the growth of businesses, real estate, infrastructure, and natural capital, providing clients with the reliability, access, and foresight unique to our 125+ year heritage. Our prevailing perspective on the future drives our ambition to innovate and adapt our business to the changing needs of investors — all to pursue lasting performance for our clients, our communities, and our global economy.
Accept cookies?
We use cookies to give you the best online experience. We use them to improve our website and content, and to tailor our digital advertising on third-party platforms. You can change your preferences at any time.
