The Sony World Photography Awards has unveiled the 10 category winners and shortlisted photographers for its 2025 Open competition, celebrating the most striking single images captured in 2024. Recognizing the power of a single photograph to tell a compelling story, the competition attracted an astounding 419,000 submissions from over 200 countries and territories.
Now in its 18th year, the Open competition continues to highlight the extraordinary talent of photographers worldwide, selecting images that encapsulate powerful moments, emotions, and narratives. The winners span a range of categories, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, powerful portraits, dynamic street photography, and more.
Each of the 10 category winners has earned a coveted spot in the upcoming Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House in London, running from April 17 to May 5, 2025. Additionally, selected shortlisted works will be displayed, offering a glimpse into some of the most thought-provoking imagery of the past year.
One of these winners will go on to claim the prestigious title of Open Photographer of the Year, which will be announced at a special gala ceremony in London on April 16. The recipient will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize along with Sony digital imaging equipment.
Photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike can look forward to this year’s exhibition, which will not only feature the Open competition winners but also a range of standout works from across the Sony World Photography Awards. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on the upcoming announcement of the Open Photographer of the Year, a title that will mark the pinnacle of this year’s competition. For more information and to view all the winners, visit worldphoto.org.
Header Image Credits (left to right):
© Elena Subach, Ukraine, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2025
© Maira Ray, Brazil, Shortlist, Open Competition, Lifestyle, Sony World Photography Awards 2025
© Victor De Valles Ibañez, Spain, Shortlist, Open Competition, Landscape, Sony World Photography Awards 2025
