Sir David Attenborough continues to mark milestone at 100 with two major award nods

Sir David Attenborough’s 100th year is proving to be just as remarkable as the career that came before it. The legendary broadcaster and natural historian continues to receive major recognition for his contribution to television and his lifelong work inspiring people to care about the natural world.

Attenborough turned 100 on May 8, 2026, reaching the extraordinary milestone after more than seven decades in broadcasting. Rather than slowing down, he has continued to work on new projects while celebrating a century of life filled with exploration, storytelling and environmental advocacy. 

His latest recognition comes through two major television award nods. Attenborough has been nominated for a 2026 Primetime Emmy Award, making him the oldest-ever nominee in the history of the awards. He received the nomination for his work as a narrator, adding another remarkable achievement to an already impressive list of honours. 

He has also received his first-ever nomination for the National Television Awards. Attenborough is shortlisted in the TV Presenter category alongside well-known names including Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman, Alison Hammond and Stacey Solomon. The winners will be announced at the NTA ceremony at London’s O2 Arena on September 8. 

The recognition comes during an especially busy year for the broadcaster. Several projects have been released to celebrate his centenary, including Wild London, Secret Garden and A Gorilla Story. The latter sees Attenborough return to the story of gorillas he first encountered while filming Life on Earth in Rwanda decades ago. 

His 100th birthday was also marked with a major celebration at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The BBC event brought together musicians, celebrities and environmental figures to honour his extraordinary contribution to television and natural history. Attenborough said he had expected to celebrate quietly but was overwhelmed by the enormous number of birthday messages he received. 

Institutions around the world have also joined the celebrations. Kew Gardens praised his lifelong commitment to plants, fungi and biodiversity, while the Natural History Museum named a newly discovered parasitic wasp Attenboroughnculus tau in his honour. 

Attenborough’s influence extends far beyond television awards. Through programmes such as Life on Earth, Blue Planet and Planet Earth, he has helped generations understand the beauty and fragility of the planet.

At 100, his latest nominations show that his voice and influence remain as powerful as ever. His extraordinary year is not simply a celebration of age, but a reminder of a lifetime spent bringing the wonders of nature into people’s homes.