The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery will unveil four new portraits this November as part of its annual Portrait of a Nation celebration, honoring individuals who have made transformative contributions to American society. This year's distinguished honorees include poet Joy Harjo, animal science expert Temple Grandin, business leader Jamie Dimon, and acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
"At its core, Portrait of a Nation is a celebration of artistic innovation, of civic leadership, and of the role that portraiture plays in telling the American story," explained Rhea L. Combs, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the National Portrait Gallery. The initiative demonstrates the gallery's commitment to working with contemporary artists while advancing the medium of portraiture. Combs emphasized that these commissioned works serve as lasting reminders of extraordinary achievements that continue to shape the American experience.
Established in 2015, the Portrait of a Nation awards have previously honored notable figures including chef José Andrés, filmmaker Ava DuVernay, tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, and former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright. The annual recognition program has become a prestigious platform for celebrating diverse American excellence.
Joy Harjo's portrait, created by contemporary artist Joel Daniel Phillips using charcoal, graphite, and ink on paper, depicts the groundbreaking poet in traditional Native attire holding a saxophone as a tribute to her cultural heritage. Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke/Muscogee (Creek) Nation, made history as the first Native American to serve as U.S. Poet Laureate, holding the 23rd position in that prestigious role. She is also accomplished as a musician, playwright, and author.
"I am deeply honored to be considered as someone who has contributed to the culture of this nation," Harjo reflected. "As with most creative artists, the bulk of our work takes place alone with the imagination. To be established in the collective in such a manner honors not just me but my Mvskoke people who have inspired me, and all of my teachers and mentors." She added that being acknowledged in this way is humbling, and she accepts the honor on behalf of her mentors and those who will follow in her footsteps.
Phillips, who met Harjo during the Tulsa Artist Fellowship residency in Oklahoma, described the organic nature of their collaboration. "Life as an artist can often feel surreal—long, solitary hours in my studio, unsure if the images I create will ever reach beyond the walls that contain them," he explained. "To see one of those pieces find a home in such a revered institution fills me with joy." He emphasized that capturing something essential about his subjects requires vulnerability, presence, and truth from both artist and sitter.
Steven Spielberg's portrait presents a unique multimedia approach through "The Picture Maker," created by contemporary artist Kate Capshaw, who is also Spielberg's wife. The Smithsonian commissioned this innovative work, which combines an oil painting of the Oscar-winning filmmaker with a film directed by Capshaw featuring previously unseen archival clips from Spielberg's teenage and early adult work. The presentation includes 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm films that have never been publicly shown before, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the early creative development of one of America's most influential directors.
Temple Grandin's portrait, painted by David Lenz in oil on canvas, shows the renowned academic and autism advocate standing with cattle at Waseda Farms in Wisconsin. The farm holds special significance as the site of the first Grandin-designed facility in Wisconsin focused on humane cattle-handling practices. Grandin has become a leading figure in animal science and a prominent advocate for autism awareness and acceptance.
"When I was contacted that I had been chosen to have my portrait in the National Portrait Gallery, I almost could not believe it," Grandin expressed. "I am truly honored and I hope it inspires young people to be innovative and creative." The portrait incorporates an atmospheric phenomenon known as a brocken specter and glory, featuring colored rings around a shadow. According to the Smithsonian, the viewer's projected shadow in the center symbolizes Grandin's belief that every person is important and can contribute to society in unique ways.
Lenz described the commission as the ultimate honor for a portrait artist. "I am thrilled to have my portrait of Temple Grandin added to the collection of this beautiful, historic museum," he said. He praised Grandin as generous with her time, candid about her life and career, and a pleasure to work with, noting that her groundbreaking work in autism education has made her an icon in the disability community and one of the most beloved figures in modern American life.
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, completes this year's group of honorees. His portrait, captured in 2023 by photographer Jason Alden, reflects the business leader's significant impact on American finance and corporate leadership. "I'm honored and humbled to be part of a tradition the National Portrait Gallery celebrates—one that showcases the innovation and ingenuity that define the American spirit," Dimon stated.
Alden expressed his pride in having his work enter the National Portrait Gallery's collection, describing the experience of photographing Dimon as memorable. "He carries a calm authority that I wanted to reflect in the portrait," the photographer explained. "To know that this image will now stand alongside works that celebrate influential figures in American life is a proud moment in my career."
Despite the temporary closure of Smithsonian Institution museums due to a government shutdown that began October 1, 2025, the Portrait of a Nation gala scheduled for November will proceed as planned. The four new portraits will be displayed on the National Portrait Museum's first floor from November 14, 2025, through October 25, 2026, before becoming permanent additions to the museum's collection. This exhibition continues the gallery's mission of preserving and presenting the faces of individuals who have shaped American history and culture across diverse fields of achievement.
