World Press Photo announced the winners of the 2026 World Press Photo Contest, presenting outstanding work from photojournalists and documentary photographers worldwide, connecting global audiences to the most pressing stories of our time.
Selected from 57,376 photographs submitted by 3,747 photographers across 141 countries, this year’s winners reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Among the awarded works are stories that have shaped headlines, alongside those that have gone largely unseen; spanning conflict and crisis, as well as resilience, resistance, and cultural traditions.
“This is a critical moment — for democracy, for truth, for the question of what we as a society are willing to see and call out and what we are willing to ignore. The photographers recognized here have done their part. They have made the record. Now it is our turn to look.” – Kira Pollack, 2026 Contest global jury chair
See the collection of awarded photos and stories
The 2026 World Press Photo of the Year winner and two finalists will be announced on 23 April 2026 at 11.00am CEST (Amsterdam time). Every photographer awarded in the 2026 Contest is eligible to win this award. Sign up for the newsletter to receive the latest news.
Please note: There is no hierarchy of winners in each category. All winners are weighted equally.
