Chosen from nearly 60,000 entries by 3,778 photographers from 141 countries, the award-winning images are those of struggle and defiance, but also of human connection and courage – visually stunning work that draws you deeper into stories behind the news. This enriching selection of the world’s best photojournalism and documentary photography was chosen by an independent international jury based on their visual quality, storytelling approach, and commitment to diverse representation.
"My hope is that tomorrow’s lawyers, reporters, and policymakers will be affected and moved by these images, and that perhaps they will strike a chord in some of today’s 11-year-olds, who, having forged the beginning of a relationship with them, will continue their life journey knowing that pictures, and the stories they tell, matter.
We made our choices with an eye on the final mix: as much as a World Press Photo Contest award is an immense recognition for photographers, often working under difficult circumstances, it is also a recap of the world’s major events. Yet, what we have here is just a partial overview. Not all the events that were topical in 2024 were covered by the photos submitted, but the jury selected images, I believe, fully aware of their power, and of the legitimacy that the award would lend them." – Lucy Conticello, director of Photography, Le Monde, and 2025 Contest global jury chair
The 2025 World Press Photo of the Year winner and two finalists, will be announced on 17 April 2025 at 11.00am CET (Amsterdam time). Every photographer awarded in the 2025 Contest is eligible to win this award. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news.
Africa
“I think the continent is one of the most complicated places to document and think of photographically. Since the very early stages of judging, we tried to be very diverse and it was important for us to highlight what has been going on. Sudan and Congo were very important in the discussion, as well as climate change, making the lives of both humans and wildlife difficult.
All of the winning images we selected had something special–a different and completely unique voice to understanding the continent better. I hope the diversity of images will allow the viewer to think not only about the major events that happened on the continent, but also everyday Africa.” – Ala Kheir, photographer, educator, curator, and 2025 Contest Africa jury chair
Singles
Stories
Long-Term Project
Asia-Pacific and Oceania
"From the steppes and mountains of Mongolia to the islands of Fiji and Tonga, the region’s diversity—both geographically and culturally—is immense. What we saw was deeply representative of the challenges these nations face, from climate change to political and social struggles that shape daily life.
Across the region, the awarded works reflect these complexities, offering different styles and perspectives that mirror the landscape itself. As a jury, we aimed to ensure accurate and meaningful representation, hoping these images will inspire audiences to learn more and question our collective path forward." – Candida Ng, deputy photo director, AFP Asia-Pacific, and 2025 Contest Asia Pacific and Oceania jury chair
Singles
Long-Term Project
Europe
“The main topics of the winners for the Europe region were of course the conflict in Ukraine and the repercussions of that war, as well as migration and the political shift to the right which we see reflected across Europe and elsewhere in the world. We wanted people to be drawn into the images in a way that engages them and encourages them to really look and not be turned away or feel overwhelmed by the subject matter.
The winning images are ones that invite us to stop, or at least pause, and reflect, rather than just keep scrolling on to the next thing. Many of them transcend the moment in which they were captured to symbolize something the jury deemed significant socially, politically and historically. And if we look at the winners collectively rather than individually, we can see how many are interconnected and overlapping.” – Finbarr O'Reilly, photographer, author and 2025 Contest Europe jury chair
Singles
Mika by Prins de Vos, the Netherlands, Queer Gallery
Stories
MARIA by Maria Abranches, Portugal
Long-Term Project
North and Central America
“The main issues in this region were politics, migration, human rights, and personal stories around such things that are so sensitive, like one's right to die.
As jurors, we looked for visual excellence, creativity, composition, and if there was a wider aspect to the story that could be relatable and important to other people. At a time of intense polarization, we wanted stories that could open up that conversation. I think it is one of the best things that photojournalists can do.” – Nina Berman, documentary photographer and professor, Columbia University, and 2025 Contest North and Central America jury chair
Singles
Stories
A Town Derailed by Rebecca Kiger, United States, Center for Contemporary Documentation, TIME
Long-Term Projects
South America
“I think the most important thing is how an image captures you—from the first point of contact. For me as a photographer, I see myself in these works. I know how hard these photographers work to be here, to make these amazing projects, and how much effort they put into these pictures.” – Lalo de Almeida, documentary photographer and 2025 Contest South America jury chair
Singles
Stories
Jaidë by Santiago Mesa, Colombia
West, Central, and South Asia
"This is a region where so much is happening–from war to conflicts to protest–and yet there are many misconceptions as well. It was important for us as a jury to show the damage, to show what was happening, but to also connect to it from a very human point of view. The images we chose really stood out and offered narratives different from what we’ve seen before." – Laura Boushnak, photographer and 2025 Contest West, Central and South Asia jury chair
Singles
Long-Term Projects
70 years of World Press Photo
As an independent non-profit organization founded in the Netherlands in 1955, World Press Photo continues to champion the power of photojournalism and documentary photography to deepen understanding, promote dialog, and inspire action. We create space for reflection in times of urgency, while upholding standards of accuracy, authenticity, visual excellence, and diverse perspectives.
The 2025 Contest takes place as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations for World Press Photo. In a year when we look back at our history and archive, executive director Joumana El Zein Khoury reflects:
“The world is not the same as it was in 1955 when World Press Photo was founded. We live in a time when it is easier than ever to look away, to scroll past, to disengage. But these images do not let us do that. They cut through the noise, forcing us to acknowledge what is unfolding, even when it is uncomfortable. A single photograph can capture a reality that words cannot fully express, offering an unfiltered glimpse into lives, struggles, and moments that might otherwise be ignored. The power of photography lies in its ability to disrupt passivity—to demand attention in a world overwhelmed by information. While news cycles move on, images remain, serving as lasting evidence of events that must not be forgotten. They remind us that every crisis, every injustice, every story has real people at its core."
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