The 20th edition of the competition introduces a Histories series category and an Animal Portrait single image award.
The World Photography Organization has announced the judging panel for the 20th Sony World Photography Awards. This year introduces a Histories category within the Series competition, formerly known as Professional. Entrants are encouraged to use five to 10 images, including archival materials, to explore personal or cultural narratives. The Single Image competition, previously titled Open, now includes an Animal Portrait category. For the first time, photographers may enter both the Series and Single Image tracks, though they cannot submit the same image twice. The Series grand prize winner receives $25,000 and a solo exhibition, while the Single Image winner receives $5,000. Deadlines are November 27, 2026, for Student entries, January 5, 2027, for Youth and Single Image, and January 12, 2027, for the Series competition. Entry remains free for photographers at all career stages using any device.
The new Histories category allows photographers to leverage archival assets for storytelling, expanding the technical scope of the competition. The updated rules now permit simultaneous entry into both major tracks, doubling the opportunities for professionals to secure cash prizes and exhibition space.
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