Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem won the World Press Photo of the Year award for his powerful and heartbreaking photo of a Palestinian woman cradling the body of her young niece in Gaza. The image captured the sense of loss and sorrow in the region following an Israeli missile strike that killed the young girl and her family. The global jury chair described the photo as a poignant plea for peace in a conflict-ridden area where peace often feels like an unlikely fantasy.
In addition to Salem’s award-winning photo, other photographers were recognized for their impactful work in different categories. Lee-Ann Olwage from South Africa won the Photo Story of the Year award for her series “Valim-babena,” which focused on the stigmatization of dementia in Madagascar. The tender portraits of “Dada Paul” and his family shed light on the challenges faced by those living with dementia in a society where awareness is lacking.
Venezuelan photographer Alejandro Cegarra received the Long-Term Project award for “The Two Walls,” a project that examined Mexico’s shifting immigration policies from a human-centered perspective. By highlighting the experiences of migrants at the country’s southern border, Cegarra’s work provided a sensitive portrayal of the challenges faced by those seeking asylum in a new country.
Ukrainian photographer Julia Kochetova’s project “War Is Personal” won the Open Format award for offering a personal and raw look at the harsh realities of war in Ukraine. Through a mix of traditional photojournalism and diary-like documentation, Kochetova’s project provided a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict in the region, showcasing the human impact of war beyond just the headlines.
The Associated Press journalists Renata Brito and Felipe Dana were recognized in the Open Format category for their multimedia story “Adrift,” which investigated the fate of West African migrants attempting to reach Europe via a dangerous Atlantic route. The compelling use of photography, cinematography, and narrative elements highlighted the perils faced by migrants and shed light on the human stories behind global migration issues.
Finally, Ebrahim Noroozi of the Associated Press won the Asia Stories award for his series “Afghanistan on the Edge,” documenting the country since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The series provided a comprehensive view of the situation in Afghanistan in the aftermath of significant political changes, showcasing the resilience and struggles of the Afghan people. The World Press Photo awards celebrate the outstanding work of photographers worldwide and aim to raise awareness of important global issues.
