We are thrilled to share details of the remarkable winners of the World Press Photo Global Awards 2024, representing the greatest in visual storytelling from around the globe. Chosen from among the 24 regional winners, these captivating photographs and stories encapsulate the profound human experiences and challenges of our time.
World Press Photo of the Year: “A Palestinian Woman Embraces the Body of Her Niece”
Photographer: Mohammed Salem (Palestine), Reuters
This haunting image captures Inas Abu Maamar, a Palestinian woman, as she cradles the lifeless body of her niece Saly, just five years old. The heartbreaking scene unfolds in Khan Younis, Gaza, where Saly, her mother, and sister fell victim to an Israeli missile strike on their home. Photographer Mohammed Salem, amidst personal joy following his wife’s recent childbirth, found Inas at the Nasser Hospital morgue, encapsulating the devastating toll of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
World Press Photo Story of the Year: “Valim-babena”
Photographer: Lee-Ann Olwage (South Africa), for GEO
In Madagascar, Lee-Ann Olwage’s poignant series delves into the profound impact of dementia on families, shedding light on the challenges and stigma surrounding the condition. Through intimate portraits and moments of tender care, Olwage sensitively portrays the human struggle against memory loss and the unwavering love that binds families together.
World Press Photo Long-Term Project Award: “The Two Walls”
Photographer: Alejandro Cegarra (Venezuela), The New York Times/Bloomberg
Alejandro Cegarra’s long-term project offers a stark portrayal of life in Venezuela against the backdrop of political unrest and economic instability. Through his lens, Cegarra chronicles the daily struggles of Venezuelans living amidst societal collapse, capturing both the resilience and vulnerability of individuals navigating the complexities of their reality.
World Press Photo Open Format Award: “War Is Personal”
Photographer: Julia Kochetova (Ukraine)
Julia Kochetova’s powerful image confronts viewers with the raw realities of conflict in Ukraine. Through a deeply personal perspective, Kochetova’s photograph reflects the individual experiences of those impacted by war, highlighting the human cost and resilience amidst adversity.
“These final works selected are a tapestry of our world today, centred on images we believe were made with a respect and integrity that could speak universally and resonate far beyond their origins.” – Fiona Shields, head of Photography at The Guardian and 2024 Contest Global Jury Chair
To view these extraordinary works and explore the stories and the photographers behind them, visit the World Press Photo website.
In a world inundated with images, these photographs stand as powerful reminders of the enduring power of visual storytelling to evoke empathy, provoke thought, and inspire change.
Image credit, Photographer: Mohammed Salem, Reuters
