It’s the final announcement of the season and one the photography world has been eagerly anticipating. The overall winners from this year’s Sony World Photography Awards were just revealed at a black-tie awards ceremony in central London, attended by established photographers, leading voices in the industry, Sony representatives as well as press and media.
The winning photographs are a window onto the world, providing us with incredible insight into our planet and its people. The captivating pictures will take you on a journey of discovery, revealing fascinating stories beyond the lens and spotlighting unique perspectives of photographers from around the world.
Congratulations to Juliette Pavy for being awarded the prestigious title of the Photographer of the Year 2024 for her series Spiralkampagnen: Forced Contraception and Unintended Sterilisation of Greenlandic Women by Juliette Pavy.
Pavy wins a $25,000 (USD) cash prize, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment, a solo presentation of her work as part of next year’s Sony World Photography Awards exhibition plus more.
Experience the winning photographs and delve into incredible stories beyond the lens at the Sony World Photography Awards 2024 exhibition, open from 19 April to 6 May at Somerset House, London.
Photographer of the Year: Juliette Pavy
Spiralkampagnen: Forced Contraception and Unintended Sterilisation of Greenlandic Women by Juliette Pavy
Between 1966 and 1975, Greenlandic Inuit women were the victims of an involuntary birth control program known as the Spiralkampagnen (spiral campaign). Led by the Danish authorities, nearly 4,500 intrauterine devices (‘coils’) were implanted into Inuit women and girls, some as young as 12, many of whom say that the procedure was performed without their consent. This campaign was first revealed by a Danish podcast in spring 2022, and documents now prove that the authorities implemented the policy to reduce Inuit population growth. An official investigation has now been opened, which is set to conclude at the end of 2024.
‘The Sony World Photography Awards jury lauded Juliette Pavy's empathetic portrayal of her subjects, capturing them in a manner that is both dignified and profoundly intimate, thereby highlighting her exceptional talent. Pavy's dedication to exposing the stark realities faced by marginalised communities, coupled with her compelling narrative approach, has not only earned her the prestigious recognition from the Sony World Photography Awards but also underscores the jury's belief in her potential and the importance of supporting her career trajectory.’ - Monica Allende, Jury Chair and Curator
Open Photographer of the Year: Liam Man
Congratulations to Liam Man for winning the title of the Open Photographer of the Year 2024 for his striking landscape shot Moonrise Sprites, captured in the middle of winter at the Old Man of Storr in Scotland. Man wins $5,000 (USD) cash prize, Sony digital imaging equipment, inclusion in the London exhibition and global exposure.
Student Photographer of the Year: Kayin Luys
Don't Trust Pretty Girls by Kayin Luys
Kayin Luys (LUCA School of Arts Sint Lukas Brussels) won the title of the Student Photographer of the Year for his series Don’t Trust Pretty Girls which explores his relationship with his in-laws and walks the line between fiction and reality. Congratulations to Kayin who wins Sony digital imaging equipment worth €30,000 for his university, global exposure, inclusion in the upcoming exhibition at Somerset House and inclusion in the 2024 book.
Youth Photographer of the Year: Daniel Murray
Congratulations to Daniel Murray (United Kingdom, 15 years old) for becoming the Youth Photographer of the Year! Murray won the prestigious title for his photograph of a lonely surfer on a beach in Cornwall. Selected from a shortlist of ten photographers under the age of 19 years-old, Daniel receives Sony digital imaging kit, global exposure, inclusion in the London exhibition and book.
Sustainability Prize: Kathleen Orlinsky
America's First Wilderness by Kathleen Orlinsky
Kathleen Orlinsky was awarded this year’s Sustainability Prize for her series America’s First Wilderness which documents the Gila Wilderness spanning 2,250 square kilometres of rugged country in southern New Mexico, USA. She won a $5,000 cash prize (USD).
Category winners
Another round of applause goes to Professional competition's ten category winners who were also revealed and celebrated during the awards ceremony in London.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Winner: Siobhán Doran (Ireland) for her series Sala Mayor (Living Room)
CREATIVE
Winner: Sujata Setia (United Kingdom) for her series A Thousand Cuts
DOCUMENTARY PROJECTS
Winner: Juliette Pavy (France) for her series Spiralkampagnen: Forced Contraception and Unintended Sterilisation of Greenlandic Women
ENVIRONMENT
Winner: Mahé Elipe (France) for her series Echoes of the Hive
LANDSCAPE
Winner: Eddo Hartmann (Netherlands) for his series The Sacrifice Zone
PORTFOLIO
Winner: Jorge Mónaco (Argentina) for his series Portraits and Landscapes
PORTRAITURE
Winner: Valery Poshtarov (Bulgaria) for his series Father and Son
SPORT
Winner: Thomas Meurot (France) for his series Kald Sòl (Cold Sun)
STILL LIFE
Winner: Federico Scarchilli (Italy) for his series Flora
WILDLIFE & NATURE
Winner: Eva Berler (Greece) for her series Suspended Worlds
Exhibition
Get tickets to the highly anticipated Sony World Photography Awards 2024 exhibition, open from 19 April to 6 May at Somerset House, London and discover the greatest images from the world-renowned competition.