Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 reveals 100 shortlisted images from 65,000 entries

Key points

• The 2026 competition received 65,403 entries from 121 countries, a record for the Natural History Museum.
• 100 images were shortlisted, with 16 highlighted across categories like Animal Portraits, Behavior, and Urban Wildlife.
• Notable images include a polar bear peering into a seal's breathing hole and an orca carrying a deceased calf.
• Winners will be announced on October 13, 2026, with an exhibition opening on October 16.
• The competition emphasizes conservation, highlighting both the beauty of nature and the impacts of human activity.

Background

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, produced by the Natural History Museum in London, has been running since 1965. Previous coverage noted the growing scale of the competition and the increasing focus on marine and urban wildlife. The 2026 shortlist continues this trend, showcasing diverse habitats from the Arctic to Tokyo streets.

How outlets are covering it

CNN, BBC, Smithsonian Magazine, and thisiscolossal.com all report on the shortlist, emphasizing the record number of entries and the diversity of images. BBC provides detailed context on specific photographers, such as Audun Rikardsen's eight-hour wait for the polar bear shot. Smithsonian Magazine highlights the conservation mission and the contrast between natural beauty and human interference, such as the circus bear image. thisiscolossal.com focuses on the emotional impact of the images, from grieving orcas to humorous frog fails. All sources agree on the October 13 winner announcement and the October 16 exhibition opening.

Why it matters

The competition underscores the importance of wildlife conservation and the role of photography in raising awareness about environmental issues. The record number of entries reflects growing global interest in nature photography and the need to protect biodiversity. The shortlisted images serve as a reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on wildlife.

What to watch

The overall and category winners will be announced on October 13, 2026. An exhibition of the shortlisted and winning images will open at the Natural History Museum in London on October 16, 2026, running until July 11, 2027.