Introducing This Year’s Recipients of the Portrait of a Nation Award: Featuring Steven Spielberg and Temple Grandin

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Portraits of the honorees, who have made “transformative contributions to the United States,” will be added to the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery

Eli Wizevich – History Correspondent

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recently revealed the recipients of the esteemed 2025 Portrait of a Nation Award, an honor bestowed upon individuals who have significantly impacted the United States.

This year, the honorees are celebrated filmmaker Steven Spielberg; Temple Grandin, a prominent scientist and advocate for autism awareness; Joy Harjo, the first Native American to serve as U.S. poet laureate; and Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase.

According to Rhea L. Combs, the gallery’s director of curatorial affairs, “Each of the 2025 honorees were selected for their ingenuity and ability to transform their respective fields, from business and science to literature and film.” Combs expressed hope that the portraits will inspire others to recognize their own potential to influence history.

First awarded in 2015, this accolade celebrates individuals whose contributions have brought about profound changes in American culture and society, spanning a diverse array of sectors, as stated in an official announcement from the gallery.

The gallery plans to commission or acquire portraits of Spielberg, Grandin, Harjo, and Dimon ahead of a gala event scheduled for November 15, 2025. These portraits will be displayed from November 14, 2025, to October 25, 2026, before becoming part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Kim Sajet, the museum’s director, highlighted the significance of this year’s recipients, stating, “The National Portrait Gallery is delighted to recognize these extraordinary individuals whose accomplishments embody our nation’s resilience and whose portraits will inspire visitors from across the country.”

As we await the unveiling of these portraits among the esteemed collection of American figures, let’s delve deeper into the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg, a filmmaker renowned for his Academy Award-winning works, has transformed the film industry with his unique storytelling. He once remarked, “I dream for a living,” reflecting his ability to bring imaginative stories like E.T. (1982) and Jaws (1975) to life on the big screen.

However, Spielberg’s work also addresses profound historical issues, as evidenced in films like Amistad (1997) and Schindler’s List (1993), where he explores the darkest chapters of human history to extract lessons for future generations. His groundbreaking portrayal of warfare in Saving Private Ryan (1998) has also had a lasting impact, sparking conversations among veterans about their experiences.

In the realm of prominent filmmakers honored at the National Portrait Gallery, Spielberg joins the ranks of Ava DuVernay, who won in 2022. DuVernay called the recognition a “jaw-dropping” moment, highlighting the honor’s significance.

Temple Grandin

Born in 1947, Temple Grandin faced significant challenges in her early years due to her autism. Her parents chose not to institutionalize her, allowing her to thrive in private schools where she excelled academically. Grandin achieved a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and became a leading voice in advocating for humane treatment of livestock.

In addition to her groundbreaking work in animal welfare, Grandin has been an outspoken advocate for individuals with autism, sharing her own experiences in a society that often shies away from discussing the condition. Her recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2010 underscores her impact on both science and advocacy.

Oliver Sacks, a well-known neurologist, remarked on Grandin’s belief that autistic individuals possess unique, socially valuable skills, challenging conventional perceptions of disability.

Joy Harjo

With roots in the Muscogee Nation, Joy Harjo emerged as a significant literary voice, initially not intending to become a poet. Harjo discovered the importance of poetry during critical moments of life, recognizing its power to capture the human experience. She published her first chapbook, The Last Song, in 1975, and her work often reflects themes of identity, culture, and transformation.

In 2019, Harjo made history as the first Native American U.S. poet laureate, where she spearheaded the “Living Nations, Living Words” project, aiming to highlight the voices of Native poets across America. Her work often captures the essence of cultural fragmentation and the complexities of contemporary existence.

Jamie Dimon

Jamie Dimon, as CEO of JPMorgan Chase, oversees a banking empire with assets exceeding $3 trillion. Hailing from Queens, New York, he embarked on a career in investment banking after graduating from Harvard Business School. Dimon is known for his exceptional work ethic, earning accolades for successfully guiding the bank through the Great Recession, when many institutions faltered.

His leadership during this period solidified JPMorgan Chase’s reputation as a stable entity within the financial industry, with Dimon frequently recognized for his foresight and savvy business acumen.

Among past recipients of the Portrait of a Nation Award in the business and finance sectors are notable figures such as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, reflecting a diverse array of impactful contributions to American society.

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