What’s the single best photograph taken in a year?
It seems impossible to choose, but every year, theSony World Photography Awardsmakes its selection.
Now in its 18th year, the Open competition celebrates the ability to capture and distill a singular moment.
“Centre of the Cosmos” © Xuecheng Liu, China Mainland, Winner, Open Competition, ArchitectureThis super-wide aerial view of Times Square in New York City has a resolution of 400 million pixels and a viewing angle equivalent to a 5mm focal length on a full-frame camera.
As diverse as the categories are, so are the images.
PhotographerMatjaz Simicshot the group against a vibrant local building.
The effect is otherworldly and expansive.
“Ask a Shaman” © Matjaž Šimic, Slovenia, Winner, Open Competition, TravelShamans play a major role in Native Bolivian traditional culture. This scene was captured above La Paz, Bolivia.
The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and Sony digital imaging equipment.
The Sony World Photography Awards has revealed the 10 category winners in the 2025 Open competition.
This scene was captured above La Paz, Bolivia.
“Akihabara” © Hajime Hirano, Japan, Winner, Open Competition, LifestyleThe prototype of today’s Akihabara was a gathering of street vendors selling parts for radios. After the late 1950’s, during a period of rapid economic growth, Akihabara grew into ‘Japan’s largest electronics town.’ Nowadays, it is famous worldwide for its anime and cosplay culture. With two different faces, we can say Akihabara is a town that embodies an essence of ‘Japaneseness.’
Nowadays, it is famous worldwide for its anime and cosplay culture.
With two different faces, we can say Akihabara is a town that embodies an essence of Japaneseness.
Attracted by the smell, more than sixty bears were recorded in the area.
“The Whale Raft” © Estebane Rezkallah, France, Winner, Open Competition, Natural World & WildlifeThe misfortune of some brings happiness to others, and for these polar bears, the death of a whale in east Greenland heralded a royal feast. Attracted by the smell, more than sixty bears were recorded in the area. However, their behaviour was almost benevolent, possibly due to the abundance of food.
However, their behaviour was almost benevolent, possibly due to the abundance of food.
The photographer then transformed the portrait into a modern, Renaissance-style image.
As diverse as the categories are, so are the images.
“Octopuses in the Sky” © Sussi Charlotte Alminde, Denmark, Winner, Open Competition, ObjectThese elaborate handmade kites were photographed at the Fanø International Kite Fliers Meeting, one of the world’s largest kite flying events.
But each highlights photography’s ability to depict the human experience and the world at large.
Related Articles:
“Tbourida La Chute” © Olivier Unia, France, Winner, Open Competition, MotionMany of the photographs taken during a traditional Moroccan ‘tbourida’ show the riders firing their rifles. With this image, the photographer wanted to share another side of the event, and show how dangerous it can be when a rider is thrown from their mount.
“Kem the Unstoppable” © Jonell Francisco, Philippines, Winner, Open Competition, CreativeThis photograph was taken in a studio environment in front of a backdrop. The photographer then transformed the portrait into a modern, Renaissance-style image.
“Encounter” © Yeintze Boutamba, Gabon, Winner, Open Competition, PortraitureThe subjects of this photograph wanted to capture this moment for eternity.
“Curved Stream” © Ng Guang Ze, Singapore, Winner, National AwardsDuring a solo hike in Wenhai, China, the photographer came across a serene, narrow stream meandering through dark grasslands, flowing towards a vast, still lake in the distance. The image was edited with muted tones and high contrast to evoke the look of a pencil sketch, capturing the solitude and tranquillity of the journey.
“Celebrating Football Club Victories” © Khairizal Maris, Indonesia, Winner, Open Competition, Street PhotographyFans celebrate a win by Persib Bandung football club by lighting flares in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
