The Sony World Photography Awards revealed the names of the winners and shortlisted entries for its ten categories in the 2026 Open competition on Tuesday. This platform celebrates the best single images captured during the previous year.
Participants in this edition of the competition submitted their most beautiful shots from 2025, ranging from the magic of nature and architectural compositions to deep portraits and street photography paradoxes.
The nineteenth edition of the award attracted a record number of entries, exceeding 430,000 images from more than 200 countries and regions worldwide.
The winner of the ‘Photographer of the Year’ title in the Open competition is scheduled to be announced during a major ceremony in London, UK, on April 16. The winner will receive a cash prize of five thousand dollars and advanced digital imaging equipment from Sony.
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The winning and shortlisted works will also be exhibited at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4, 2026, before the exhibition embarks on a global tour.
Ten creators from different continents
The awards for the ten categories were distributed among creators from different continents. In the Architecture category, a winner was selected for a picture of a paper factory amidst the shadows of a winter night. The Creativity award went to a work titled ‘Lost Hope,’ which embodies a poignant symbolism.
In the Landscape category, a winner shone with a photograph capturing the geometry of sand dunes in Namibia. In the Lifestyle category, another winner was recognized for an image reflecting rural tranquility. The Motion award was claimed by a blurry shot of a punk music concert.
In the Wildlife category, a captivating image of a blue arctic fox facing a snowstorm in Norway stood out. The Objects category winner documented the color contrast in a South African neighborhood.
The ‘Street Photography’ Award
In the Portraiture category, a prominent image featured a volcanologist on a volcanic rock. The ‘Street Photography’ award was claimed by a spontaneous black-and-white shot. The Travel category winner documented a traditional glowing festival.
The judging panel for this year was chaired by an assistant curator from a national gallery.
A picture of a paper factory in Sweden, surrounded by layers of shadows, concrete, and clouds on a dark November night.A motion-blurred shot of a music concert.
Sony World Photography Awards
The Sony World Photography Awards is an annual global competition organized by the World Photography Organisation, first launched in 2007. It celebrates and promotes the best contemporary photography from artists and photographers worldwide across various categories. The awards have grown into one of the most prestigious events in the photography calendar, with an accompanying exhibition typically held in London.
London
London is the capital of the United Kingdom, a major global city founded by the Romans as Londinium nearly two millennia ago. Its long history is visible in landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the modern London Eye, reflecting its evolution from a Roman settlement to a medieval powerhouse and a modern financial and cultural centre.
UK
The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a history shaped by the Acts of Union in 1707 and 1800. It developed into a global power through the British Empire and is known for its constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Its cultural influence is profound, from the English language and literature to landmarks like Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, and Edinburgh Castle.
Somerset House
Somerset House is a large Neoclassical building located on the south side of the Strand in central London. Originally built in the 16th century for the Duke of Somerset, it was rebuilt in its current form in the late 18th century to house government offices and learned societies. Today, it is a vibrant cultural centre known for its art exhibitions, open-air concerts, and seasonal ice rink.
Namibia
Namibia is a country in southwestern Africa known for its vast Namib Desert, Atlantic coastline, and diverse wildlife. Historically, it was a German colony (German South-West Africa) from 1884 until it was placed under South African administration after World War I, finally achieving independence in 1990.
Norway
Norway is a Nordic country in Northern Europe known for its dramatic fjords, Viking heritage, and modern prosperity. Its history includes the era of Viking seafarers, a long union with Denmark and later Sweden, and full independence achieved in 1905. Today, it is a constitutional monarchy celebrated for its natural beauty and high quality of life.
South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes. Its modern history is profoundly shaped by colonialism and the institutionalized racial segregation of apartheid, which ended in 1994 with the establishment of a constitutional democracy and the election of Nelson Mandela as president.
Sweden
Sweden is a Nordic country with a rich history as a former great power in Northern Europe, known for the Viking Age and the 17th-century Swedish Empire. Its modern cultural identity is strongly associated with the welfare state model, neutrality, and global contributions in design, music, and innovation. Key historical sites include the royal palace in Stockholm, the ancient port of Birka, and the preserved medieval city of Visby.
