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Playboy Welcomes Alana O'Herlihy to its Judging Panel

In a bold move to honor its storied legacy while embracing modern aesthetics, Playboy, Inc. has appointed the visionary photographer Alana O'Herlihy to its judging panel for the highly anticipated The Great Playmate Search. This global digital casting competition aims to find the 2026 Playmate of the Month and the inside cover star as part of the relaunch of the iconic Playboy Magazine.

Alana O'Herlihy, often referred to as “Hollywood's illegitimate daughter,” is a multifaceted artist who continues to redefine the boundaries of visual storytelling. Known for her unique style that blends the glamour of Old Hollywood with a modern, chaotic edge, O'Herlihy has made a name for herself by snapping stunning portraits of pop culture icons such as Bella Hadid and Miley Cyrus. Her work has graced the covers of globally recognized magazines like Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Pop Magazine. Furthermore, she's the creative force behind AOH Studios and is preparing for the release of her self-portrait book, I Used to Be Cool.

O'Herlihy joins an elite panel of judges including former Playmates Shanna Moakler, Daphnée Duplaix, Summer Altice, Brande Roderick, and Gillian Nation. Together, this distinguished panel will evaluate participants who progress through the fan voting process, helping to identify the winners of this vibrant competition.

The Playmate Pictorial Competition will result in one winner being featured as the Playmate of the Month in the Spring 2026 issue of Playboy, complete with a full pictorial shot by O'Herlihy herself. Not only does this competition present a platform for aspiring Playmates to showcase their charm and character, but it also includes incentives such as a cash prize of $25,000 and an all-expenses-paid professional photoshoot, along with access to exclusive Playboy events and collections.

Fans eager to contribute to the selection process can currently register at Playboy.com to support their favorite contestants. Voting for fan favorites commences on October 1st and allows one free vote per day, with additional paid voting options available for increased visibility. The final 50 contestants will have the opportunity to be reviewed by the esteemed panel.

In addition to the Playmate Pictorial Competition, another facet of this event is the Inside Cover Competition, awarding its victor a feature on an upcoming inside cover of Playboy, also shot by O'Herlihy. This winner will receive a $15,000 cash prize, a year’s subscription to Honey Birdette lingerie, and chances for modeling collaborations with Playboy partners.

With over seventy years of culture-shaping heritage, Playboy continues its mission of embracing pleasure in its multifaceted forms, advocating for freedom of expression, and connecting with individuals around the globe through lifestyle offerings in approximately 180 countries. The excitement around the relaunch of Playboy Magazine paired with O'Herlihy's addition to the judging panel signifies a remarkable chapter in the ongoing legacy of this iconic brand.

Final Thoughts

Playboy's approach of blending traditional appeal with contemporary artistic vision through Alana O'Herlihy is a step towards not just celebrating beauty in its various manifestations but doing so in a way that encourages engagement and inclusion. The upcoming Great Playmate Search represents a modern interpretation of pleasure and representation, paving the way for future creators in the industry.