The Archibald Portrait Prize is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. Winners in the main category have often been controversial with abstract and naive designs featuring strongly in the prize’s history (though there have been a few pleasant surprises).

The Packer’s Prize, announced each year from the Archibald entries, has a history of supporting more-traditional portraiture and this year is no exception with the prize going to a charcoal portrait of Glen A Baker by Sydney artist Nasifa.

The finalists for the 2010 Archibald Prize can be seen here.

UPDATE: Pleasant surprise again – a surprisingly recognisable portrait of sceptic comedian Tim Minchin has taken out the main prize.