Sky Arts today proudly announces the return of Portrait Artist of the Year for its thirteenth series, ushering in a bold new era for the hit programme with an entirely refreshed judging panel — the first in the show’s history. Alongside the much-loved host, Stephen Mangan, three formidable voices from the contemporary art world take their seats: Britain’s best-known contemporary Portrait Painter, Jonathan Yeo, Eva Langret, Director of Frieze London; and art historian and broadcaster Katy Hessel. Together, they will challenge, champion and ultimately crown the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2026. 

Since 2013, Portrait Artist of the Year has captivated audiences with its celebration of portraiture and the creative process. The show has featured an impressive roster of celebrity sitters, including the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Tom Jones, Jodie Comer, Yungblud, Nile Rogers, Benjamin Zephaniah, Brian Cox and Michaela Coel. A new lineup of sitters for the upcoming series will be confirmed soon, with filming taking place at Battersea Arts Centre in the spring.  

Meet the New Judges

• Jonathan Yeo Widely regarded as one of the foremost portrait painters of his generation, Jonathan Yeo is celebrated for his powerful, psychologically charged portraits of some of the world’s most recognisable figures. His subjects have ranged from his recent painting of King Charles III (The ‘red king’) to Sir David Attenborough, all captured with unmistakable intensity and insight. With a career spanning major international exhibitions and landmark commissions, Jonathan brings exceptional technical mastery and a deep understanding of what it takes to truly capture the essence of a sitter. 

• Eva Langret A dynamic and influential figure in the contemporary art world, Eva Langret is the Director of Frieze London and an internationally respected curator. Viewers will already recognise Eva from the current series of Landscape Artist of the Year, where her sharp insight, thoughtful critique and infectious enthusiasm have made an immediate impact. Renowned for championing innovative, boundary-pushing artists, Eva brings a global perspective, a fearless eye and a deep commitment to nurturing emerging talent — making her an exciting new voice on the Portrait Artist judging panel.

• Katy Hessel Art historian, curator and broadcaster Katy Hessel is one of the most influential voices shaping conversations around art today. As the founder of the widely celebrated platform The Great Women Artists, Katy has become synonymous with championing overlooked and underrepresented artists and reshaping the canon. With her encyclopaedic knowledge of art history, combined with a keen understanding of contemporary practice, Katy brings clarity, context and passion — offering contestants both rigorous critique and meaningful encouragement.

Danielle Graham, Executive Producer at Storyvault Films said: ‘‘We would like to thank Kate, Kathleen and Tai for their outstanding work as judges on Portrait Artist of The Year for over a decade. They have played a huge part in helping us bring portraiture to a wider audience and in launching the careers of hundreds of artists. We are excited to welcome Jonathan, Katy and Eva to Portrait Artist of the Year.  Each brings a distinct perspective and depth of experience to the judging panel, and we very much look forward to seeing them in action."

Production of Portrait Artist of the Year Series 13 will begin on this Spring, in London, with TX later this year. Portrait Artist of the Year is produced by Storyvault Films. Executive Producers are Danielle Graham and Samantha Richards. Commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director, Unscripted for Sky, for Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer, Sky. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Benedetta Pinelli.

NOTE TO EDITORS 

For further information about Portrait Artist of the Year, please contact: PAOTY@premiercomms.com