The 2024 Sony World Photography Awards has once again brought together the finest talents in the world of photography. Held in London on April 18th, this prestigious event highlighted the work of photographers across various categories: Professional, Open, Student, and Youth competitions. With the exhibition running from April 19th to May 6th at Somerset House, London, the event has become a staple in the cultural calendar, offering a profound look into the stories and moments captured by photographers worldwide.
Sony World Photography Awards 2024 Photographer of the Year: Juliette Pavy
Juliette Pavy, a French photographer, won the coveted Photographer of the Year title for her powerful documentary series Spiralkampagnen: Forced Contraception and Unintended Sterilisation of Greenlandic Women. This poignant series delves into the traumatic history of involuntary birth control measures imposed on Inuit women in Greenland during the 1960s and 1970s by Danish authorities. Pavy’s work stands out for its empathetic portrayal of the victims, blending archival photos with modern portraits and x-ray imagery to narrate the lasting impact of these events.
© Juliette Pavy, France, Photographer of the Year, Professional competition, Documentary Projects, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
© Juliette Pavy, France, Photographer of the Year, Professional competition, Documentary Projects, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
© Juliette Pavy, France, Photographer of the Year, Professional competition, Documentary Projects, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
© Juliette Pavy, France, Photographer of the Year, Professional competition, Documentary Projects, Sony World Photography Awards 2024
Pavy expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing her desire to give a voice to those silenced for decades. The jury praised her for the dignified and intimate manner in which she captured her subjects, underscoring her exceptional narrative and technical skills.
Open Photographer of the Year: Liam Man
Liam Man from the United Kingdom was awarded Open Photographer of the Year for his mesmerizing image Moonrise Sprites over Storr. This photograph captures the dramatic rock formation of the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye, illuminated by drone lights against the backdrop of a rising moon during a blizzard. Man’s work was celebrated for its technical excellence and ability to convey a compelling visual narrative.
Student and Youth Competitions
The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 Student Photographer of the Year title went to Kayin Luys from Belgium, representing LUCA School of Arts Sint Lukas Brussels, for his series Don’t Trust Pretty Girls. This intimate project explores his relationship with his partner’s family, blending personal and cultural narratives.
Daniel Murray, a 15-year-old from the United Kingdom, won Youth Photographer of the Year for his serene image of a solitary surfer on a Cornish beach. The photograph, with its soft tones and warm light, beautifully captures the quiet end of summer.
Category Winners in the Professional Competition
The Professional competition showcased an extraordinary range of photographic practices. Here are the winners in each category:
Architecture & Design:
Siobhán Doran (Ireland) for her series Sala Mayor (Living Room)
Creative:
Sujata Setia (United Kingdom) for A Thousand Cuts
Documentary Projects:
Juliette Pavy (France) for Spiralkampagnen
Environment:
Mahé Elipe (France) for Echoes of the Hive
Landscape:
Eddo Hartmann (Netherlands) for The Sacrifice Zone
Portfolio:
Jorge Mónaco (Argentina) for Portraits and Landscapes
Portraiture:
Valery Poshtarov (Bulgaria) for Father and Son
Sport:
Thomas Meurot (France) for Kald Sòl (Cold Sun)
Still Life:
Federico Scarchilli (Italy) for Flora
Wildlife & Nature:
Eva Berler (Greece) for Suspended Worlds
Sustainability Prize
Kathleen Orlinsky from the United States won the Sustainability Prize for her series America’s First Wilderness. This project focuses on the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, highlighting conservation efforts and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Orlinsky’s work emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition at Somerset House offers a rich visual experience, featuring over 200 printed works and numerous digital displays from the winning and shortlisted photographers. Visitors can explore a diverse array of themes, from environmental conservation to intimate human stories. Additionally, the exhibition includes a special solo presentation by Edgar Martins, last year’s Photographer of the Year, further enriching the visual narrative.
The 2024 Sony World Photography Awards has once again celebrated the power of photography to tell compelling stories and evoke deep emotions. This year’s winners, each with their unique vision and technical prowess, have contributed to a global dialogue through their art. As the exhibition continues to inspire and educate, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of visual storytelling in our world.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply appreciate the art of storytelling, the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition is not to be missed. One of the most exciting photo contests on the scene.
The new edition, the Sony World Photography Awards 2025, will be held between June 1, 2024 and January 10, 2025.
You can enjoy all of these and many more photos on the Sony World Photography Awards 2024 website:
worldphoto.org/2024-winners-and-shortlist-galleries