New Delhi, Mar 17: The Sony World Photography Awards today revealed the 2026 National and Regional Award winners, recognising outstanding photographic talent from across the globe. Selected from over 430,000 submissions spanning more than 200 countries and territories, this year’s winners highlight the diversity and depth of contemporary photography.
Organised by the World Photography Organisation, the National & Regional Awards programme aims to support local photography communities worldwide, offering global exposure and recognition to both emerging and established photographers.
India National Award Introduced
A key highlight this year is the introduction of the India National Award within the Professional competition. The inaugural winner, Avijit Ghosh, was recognised for his powerful series Keepers of Mangroves, documenting the conservation efforts of “tiger widows” in Dayapur, India, who work to restore mangrove ecosystems following tragic human-wildlife conflicts.
Global Winners Across Categories
In the Latin America Professional Award, Citlali Fabian secured 1st place for Bilha, Stories of My Sisters, a visually rich project combining portraits and digital illustration to highlight stories of women in southern Mexico. She was followed by María Fernanda García Freire (2nd place) and André Tezza (3rd place).
The Japan National Award was won by Hayate Kurisu for Living Photographs, a deeply personal series exploring grief, memory, and time following a stillbirth.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The newly introduced European Student Award recognised Teresa Halbreiter from the University of Applied Sciences Hamburg as its inaugural winner for Stillgestanden (‘Attention!’), which examines identity and femininity within the German Armed Forces.
Open Competition Winners
The Open competition, celebrating the best single images of 2025, featured winners from over 30 countries, showcasing a wide range of subjects—from landscapes and portraits to compelling images of the natural world.
Exhibition and Next Announcements
All National Award winners and Regional first-place recipients will be showcased at the official exhibition at Somerset House from April 17 to May 4, 2026. Winners will also receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment, while select participants will attend exclusive workshops in London.
The overall winners across Professional, Open, Student, and Youth competitions will be announced on April 16, 2026.
Recognising Excellence in Photography
Produced by Creo, the Sony World Photography Awards remain one of the most prestigious platforms in global photography. This year, renowned photographer Joel Meyerowitz will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award, joining an esteemed list of past honourees.
Through its continued global reach and commitment to artistic excellence, the Awards provide a vital platform for photographers to showcase their work, share powerful stories, and contribute to the evolving narrative of contemporary photography.
