Sony World Photography Awards 2026: Overall winners announced
The Sony World Photography Awards 2026 lit up London on the evening of 16 April as the overall winners had just been revealed at a high-energy ceremony packed with the industry’s brightest names. Photographers, curators, gallerists, and media voices from around the world gathered to celebrate a defining moment in contemporary photography.
The atmosphere was electric - a genuine celebration of image-making at its highest level. The room was filled with anticipation, admiration and the shared excitement of seeing this year’s most powerful photographic work honoured.
The week of celebrations continues with the exhibition opening in London on 17 April, marking one of the standout moments of the year for photography. Book tickets now.
Youth Photographer of the Year
The gala began with presenter Noreen Khan welcoming guests and setting the tone for the evening, followed by a speech from Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki.
The Youth Photographer of the Year was the first to take the stage - congratulations to Philip Kangas, a 16 year old from Stockholm, Sweden. Kangas captured a fascinating moment showing firefighters transporting art pieces to safety, following a fire at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in central Stockholm.
Kangas wins Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusion in the London exhibition and the annual book, as well as promotion via the World Photography Organisation's channels.
Student Photographer of the Year
Next in line was the Student Photographer of the Year - congratulations to Jubair Ahmed Arnob, a Dhaka-born photographer studying at Counter Foto - a Center for Visual Arts in Bangladesh. In his series The Place Where I Used to Play, Arnob returns to Green Model Town in Dhaka. Through a dreamy, poetic style, Jubair photographs its vibrant community and tranquil landscape, now disappearing under concrete.
Jubair and his university receive approximately €30,000 worth of Sony Digital Imaging equipment, flights and accommodation to the awards ceremony in London, inclusion in the London exhibition and the annual book as well as promotion via the World Photography Organisation's channels.
Open Photographer of the Year
Elle Leontiev, an Australian photographer was revealed as the Open Photographer of the Year for her portrait of a barefoot volcanologist. Philip, who grew up beneath the active volcano, stands on ash plains of Mount Yasur, on the island of Tanna, Vanuatu. The volcano smoulders behind him, sending a plume of gas and sulphur into the sky.
Elle wins $5,000, Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusions in this year's exhibition and book, press and media coverage as well as promotion via the World Photography Organisation's channels.
Photographer of the Year
The prestigious title of the Photographer of the Year was awarded to Citlali Fabián, a visual artist from the Yalalteca Indigenous community in Mexico, now based in the UK.
Her winning series Bilha, Stories of my Sisters was created to inspire young girls with positive role models. It offers a glimpse into the world of activists and artists from various Indigenous communities in southern Mexico. Shaped through a collaborative process between the photographer and her subjects, the series utilises a mixed-media approach to photography.
She receives $25,000, Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusions in this year's book and exhibition, a solo display at the London exhibition the following year, press and media coverage and promotion via World Photography Organisation's channels.
Professional Competition Category Winners
The 10 Professional category winners also took to the stage that night to celebrate their victory. They all receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, and were invited to participate in Insights, a day of specialised sessions with industry experts in London. Congratulations to:
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
WINNER: Joy Saha (Bangladesh) for Homes of Haor
Finalists: 2nd place André Tezza (Brazil); 3rd place Chen Liang (China Mainland)
CREATIVE
WINNER: Citlali Fabián (Mexico) for Bilha, Stories of My Sisters
Finalists: 2nd place Pablo Ramos (Mexico); 3rd place Ben Brooks (United Kingdom)
DOCUMENTARY PROJECTS
WINNER: Santiago Mesa (Colombia) for Under the Shadow of Coca
Finalists: 2nd place Colin Delfosse (Belgium); 3rd place Alexandre Bagdassarian (France)
ENVIRONMENT
WINNER: Isadora Romero (Ecuador) for Notes on How to Build a Forest
Finalists: 2nd place Matteo Trevisan (Italy); 3rd place Shane Hynan (Ireland)
LANDSCAPE
WINNER: Dafna Talmor (United Kingdom) for Constructed Landscapes
Finalists: 2nd place Andreas Secci (Germany), 3rd place Michael Blann (United Kingdom)
PERSPECTIVES
WINNER: Seungho Kim (Republic of Korea) for Sunny Side Up: A Portrait of the Most Average K-Parenting Today
Finalists: 2nd place Hayate Kurisu (Japan); 3rd place Fredrik Lerneryd (Sweden)
PORTRAITURE
WINNER: Jean-Marc Caimi & Valentina Piccinni (Italy) for The Faithful
Finalists: 2nd place Marisa Reichert (Germany); 3rd place Federico Borella (Italy)
SPORT
WINNER: Todd Antony (New Zealand) for Buzkashi
Finalists: 2nd place Morgan Otagburuagu (Nigeria); 3rd place Rob Van Thienen (Belgium)
STILL LIFE
WINNER: Vilma Taubo (Norway) for Talking Without Speaking
Finalists: 2nd place Gargi Sharma (India); 3rd place Daniele Vita (Italy)
WILDLIFE & NATURE
WINNER: Will Burrard-Lucas (United Kingdom) for Crossing Point
Finalists: 2nd place Anita Pouchard Serra (Argentina); 3rd place Wolfgang Duerr (Germany)
Outstanding Contribution to Photography
Joel Meyerowitz was also honoured over the course of the evening and awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Photography. Meyerowitz’s practice is marked by his observant eye, finely tuned to the currents and textures of life. His work shows a fascination with life happening around him, and a remarkable instinct for framing images that are at once revealing and enigmatic, imbued with beauty and wit.
A selection of works by Meyerowitz, including excerpts from his series Europa (1966-1967) and two new artist videos, are on view at Somerset House as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition, offering an insight into the spirit and curiosity that has characterised his practice for the past six decades.
Exhibition
Don't miss the chance to view these award-winning images, shown alongside other incredible shots, at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition, opening from tomorrow 17 April until 4 May.
Held at Somerset House, a river-side cultural hub, the exhibition brings fascinating stories visualised through powerful photography to the heart of London.
