Vanessa Winship wins coveted ‘Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year’ title, announced at VIP Gala Awards Ceremony in Cannes
Vanessa Winship from United Kingdom has been named Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year,
revealed at the VIP Gala Awards ceremony in Cannes. Her entry in the Portraiture category has beaten thousands of
submissions to win the esteemed title, accompanied by a $25,000 cash prize.(Picture © Vanessa Winship, courtesy of Sony World Photography Awards)
The final decision was made just hours before the ceremony by the Honorary Board, some of the industry’s highest
regarded members, including Nan Goldin, Bruce Davidson, Tom Stoddart, Elliott Erwitt and Martine Franck.
Over the past weeks they have been deliberating upon the professional photographers’ shortlist, chosen by the
World Photographic Academy, and had a final meeting the day of the Awards to agree their decision.
Vanessa Winship said, “Many, many thanks, and these are actually for the little girls of Eastern Turkey.” Vanessa
Winship received her award from Honorary Board Member Elliott Erwitt at the Palais des Festivals in front of an
audience of 700 VIPs and industry leaders. The eleven professional category winners spanning eight countries also
collected their awards and Arup Ghosh, the overall amateur winner was applauded by the audience though was
unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony. Phil Stern was awarded the Legacy award for his outstanding
contribution to the industry. He said on receiving the award, “It is very flattering to have been chosen to receive this
award. May I thank everyone who made this decision, and long may the awards continue.”The Awards ceremony is
the finale in a series of events in Cannes over the last few days, based on the theme of ‘Legacy’. Focusing on the
past, present and future of photography, this has included the Sony Legacy Exhibition, curated by Magnum Photos;
a photography summit to discuss the latest industry issues; and ‘University Shoot Out’, a student initiative to support
the future generation of photographers.
James Kennedy, General Manager Marketing Communications, Sony Digital Imaging Europe said, “The Awards
really are a showcase for the photographic industry at its highest level. It has been wonderful to be part of an event
that brings together such phenomenal talent.” Founder of World Photography Awards Scott Gray added, “This event
is the culmination of what has been a fantastic first year for the Sony World Photography Awards. We thank everyone
who entered and look forward to the second year already.”
Professional Category Winners
• Abstract – Anita Cruz-Eberhard (UNITED STATES)
• Advertising – Fabrizio Cestari (ITALY)
• Architectural – Livia Corona (MEXICO)
• Fashion – Valeska Achenbach & Isabela Pacini (GERMANY)
• Music/Performance – Eduard Meltzer (SWITZERLAND)
• Nature – Giacomo Brunelli (ITALY)
• Nude – Natalie Bothur – (GERMANY)
• Photojournalism/Documentary – Moises Saman (UNITED STATES)
• Portraiture – Vanessa Winship (UNITED KINGDOM)
• Science – Thomas Deerinck (UNITED STATES)
• Sport – Robin Utrecht (NETHERLANDS)
..