Michael Zavros clinches Archibald People's Choice with portrait of Alex Ryvchin

Michael Zavros has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Archibald People’s Choice Award for his portrait of Alex Ryvchin, who serves as co-chief executive officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. The public’s favorite follows Richard Lewer’s receipt of the main Archibald Prize for his painting of Pitjantjatjara elder Iluwanti Ken, and Sean Layh’s capture of actor Jacob Collins in a Hamlet pose to claim the Packing Room Prize.

This year’s Archibald shortlist features 59 works, among them depictions of community figure Ahmed Al Ahmed, Governor-General Sam Mostyn and ex-a journalist at one outlet. Historical People's Choice winners have included Loribelle Spirovski’s portrait of musician William Barton, Angus McDonald’s rendering of academic Marcia Langton, and Jaq Grantford’s study of actress Noni Hazlehurst. The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition will remain open at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until August 16.