World Press Photo Yearbook 2026

Independent photojournalism and documentary photography are indispensable tools of political education for a democratic society and an essential part of shaping public opinion—especially in our so-called ‘post-factual’ times. In recognition of this, the independent non-profit organization World Press Photo Foundation, based in Amsterdam, has been presenting the World Press Photo Award for the best photo, the best story, the best longterm project of the year for more than six decades. The winning images in the various categories tell bold stories and provide invaluable insights into the state of our world. The award-winning photos will be announced at the same time as the book launch and presented in a traveling exhibition. So it is and remains extremely exciting to see which works will be selected from thousands of submissions and of course which photo will be the actual cover illustration!
The award-winning images that move our world. The World Press Photo Yearbook 2026 is the essential reference work for everyone interested in photojournalism, documentary photography, and contemporary history . For more than 65 years, the World Press Photo Foundation in Amsterdam has honored the most prestigious achievements in international press photography. The award-winning images collected in this yearbook document the events, emotions, and challenges of our time with an intensity that words alone cannot convey. Highlights: The best press photos of the year – honored with the World Press Photo Award International top-class photography across all categories: single images, stories, and long-term projects A powerful time capsule of our global present Companion volume to the renowned World Press Photo traveling exhibition Whether for journalists, students, photography enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to better understand our world, this yearbook brings together the most striking visual testimonies of our time.