Introduction of Nature and Sports Awards
World Press Photo has added three awards, and the annual contest will include dedicated awards for nature and sports photography in 2027. This decision follows feedback from exhibition attendees and industry partners who felt these categories were underrepresented in past competitions.
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Acknowledging Nature and Sports in Photography
The inclusion of nature and sports emphasizes their crucial role in news and documentary photography. Traditionally, sports have been a staple of newspaper back pages, while standalone animal images often appear in news stories.
Aim of the New Categories
Joumana El Zein Khoury, the executive director, states, “Nature and sports are integral to how people perceive the world. We hope these awards inspire photographers globally to submit visually stunning stories that offer new insights.” Entry submissions in both categories, while not requiring separate entries, will be eligible for three Nature Awards and three Sports Awards.

Nature Award Recognition
The Nature Award recognizes compelling narratives exploring human, animal, and ecosystem relationships. Themes include ecological healing, coexistence, and animal agency, aiming to spotlight resilience and solutions-driven reporting. Exceptional visual quality and profound storytelling are key criteria.
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Different from environmental crisis coverage, this award focuses on the nuanced interplay of humans and environments, encouraging stories that reveal a deeper understanding of these crucial connections.
Sports Award Recognition
The Sports Award celebrates the dynamism, energy, and emotion captured in sports photography. From defining moments to wide-ranging narratives, it includes major events, cultural dynamics, and everyday sporting cultures. The award captures the diverse human experience within the realm of sports.
Entries for the 2027 contest open on December 1. Details on eligibility and entry processes will be released on November 3 via their official platforms.

Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What new photography awards are being introduced by World Press Photo?
World Press Photo is introducing new awards for nature and sports photography in their 2027 contest.
Why are nature and sports awards being added to the contest?
The decision to include nature and sports awards follows feedback from exhibition attendees and industry partners who felt these categories were underrepresented in past competitions.
When do entries for the 2027 contest open?
Entries for the 2027 contest open on December 1.
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