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PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM: VOTING NOW OPEN for Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award 2026
4 February 2026
By James Hamilton
By James Hamilton
© Christopher Paetkau, Wildlife Photographer of the Year
It’s back. Run by Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum, London, and supported by Lead Corporate Sponsor, Nuveen, the much-loved People’s Choice photography contest has returned with an extraordinary shortlist of twenty-four images.
These photographs are competing to be crowned the winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026, with online voting now open to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Chosen from more than 60,000 global entries
The shortlisted images were selected from an astonishing 60,636 entries submitted from 113 countries and territories, alongside the 100 winning images announced in October 2025. The final selection was made by the Natural History Museum, London, together with an international judging panel of experts in photography, wildlife, conservation and science.
Celebrating beauty — and confronting reality
From a breathtaking superpod of spinner dolphins to an intimate moment between a sloth parent and offspring, the twenty-four shortlisted images celebrate the beauty and magnificence of the natural world. At the same time, they shine a light on the urgent challenges wildlife faces today, including shrinking sea ice, human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade.
As with all Wildlife Photographer of the Year images, this powerful shortlist aims to inspire deeper connection and create advocates for the planet.
A global invitation to vote
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!”
Members of the public can vote for their favourite image either online or via digital screens within the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London.
Key dates to know
- Voting closes: Wednesday 18 March 2026
- Winners announced: Wednesday 25 March 2026
The winning image and four runners-up will be revealed on 25 March 2026. The winning photograph will be displayed in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, while both the winner and runners-up will continue to feature on the exhibition’s voting screens until the exhibition closes on Sunday 12 July 2026.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is supported by Lead Corporate Sponsor, Nuveen.
Cast your vote
Vote online for the winner of the Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026 here: https://bit.ly/NuveenPeoplesChoiceAward2026
© Prasenjeet Yadav, Wildlife Photographer of the Year
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