Diverse photographers capture nature and sports, showcasing world press photo entries.

World Press Photo Expands 2027 Contest with New Nature and Sports Photography Awards

User avatar placeholder
Written by Sam Johnson

2026-10-20

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.

Dive into the world of cutting-edge equipment for photographers with Sirui’s innovative lenses designed for flexibility and creativity in film and photography.

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.

Photographer focuses camera on wild landscape with a sunset sky.
Photo by Forough Alaei

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.

For more on incredible nature photography, read how Tanzanian camera traps capture rare wildlife, offering a deep dive into hidden species and biodiversity.

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.

Diverse photographers capture nature and sports, showcasing world press photo entries.
Photo by Cameron Spencer

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.

Menu