The Sony World Photography Awards today unveiled the 30 finalists and more than 65 shortlisted photographers in the 2026 Professional competition, a striking celebration of visual storytelling that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary photography. Marking nearly two decades of photographic excellence, the Professional competition recognises artists whose bold bodies of work fuse technical mastery with compelling narrative vision.
Across this year’s competitions, over 430,000 images from over 200 countries and territories were submitted.
The 10 category winners are chosen from the 30 finalists and announced at a special ceremony in London on 16 April. The recipient of the prestigious Photographer of the Year title, is chosen from the category winners and announced on the same night, receiving a $25,000 (USD) cash prize, a range of Sony Digital Imaging equipment, as well as the opportunity to show their work in a solo presentation at next year’s London exhibition. The winners and finalists are additionally invited to London for Insights, a day of tailored sessions with leading industry figures, offering specialised guidance on ways to continue expanding their platform.
A selection of works by finalist and shortlisted photographers is first on view as part of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition at Somerset House, London, from 17 April – 5 May 2026, and will thereafter travel to other locations.
Commenting on behalf of the jury, Monica Allende, Chair of the Jury, says: ‘The finalist and shortlisted work in the Professional competition for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 demonstrates a remarkable growth in the craft and commitment to photography as a powerful storytelling medium. Across the many series we judged, I was deeply struck by the celebration of the human experience, and of love, kindness, and quiet resilience woven into complex and often challenging realities. Many of the most powerful images focused on intimate moments and small acts of heroism, revealing the enduring strength and spirit found in everyday life.’
The jury of the 2026 Professional competition are:
- Monica Allende, Independent Curator and Photography Consultant, Chair of the Jury
- Daniel Brena, Director, Centro de las Artes de San AgustÃn, Mexico
- Yumi Goto, Independent Curator, Editor, Researcher and Publisher, Japan
- Zack Hatfield, Managing Editor, Aperture magazine, USA
- Paul Ninson, Founder and Executive Director, Dikan Center, Ghana
- Bindi Vora, Artist and Senior Curator, Autograph, UK
The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 will be announced on 16 April 2026. For more information about upcoming announcements and winners please visit worldphoto.org.
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