The global photography community today celebrates the official launch of the Photojournalism Prize (PJP), a groundbreaking new award dedicated to honoring the world’s most compelling editorial and documentary photography. After a soft introduction earlier this year at the Lucie Awards in Ostuni, Italy, the Prize now takes center stage at the DOK Festival of Photojournalism in Fredrikstad, Norway.

Founded by Hossein Farmani - the visionary behind the International Photography Awards and the Lucie Awards - the Prize shines a spotlight on visual journalists who bring context, courage, and humanity to urgent global stories. Categories span breaking news, feature reporting, and in-depth photo essays, with all entries judged through a blind process by an international jury of respected editors, curators, and industry leaders.

“Photojournalism is not only an art form - it is an essential act of truth-telling,” said Farmani. “With this award, we honor photographers who risk much to ensure that critical stories are seen and remembered.”

That mission is echoed by Hannah Lillethun, Program Director of the Prize, who added: “Photojournalists are often the first to show us what is happening, yet too often their contributions are overlooked. This Prize affirms their work as indispensable—acts of courage, resistance, and accountability in a time when we need them most.”

The launch at DOK Festival underscores that vision. As one of Europe’s leading gatherings for documentary and journalistic photography, the Festival brings together photographers, editors, scholars, and the public to explore the power and responsibility of visual storytelling. Introducing PJP within this context underscores its goal: to elevate photography as both a record of truth and a catalyst for change.

First Prize: 5,000 Euros
Second Prize: 3,000 Euros
Third Prize: 1,000 Euros