Abbey Road Studios held its fifth annual Abbey Road Music Photography Awards last night in London, officially announcing the 2026 winners. The ceremony served as a prestigious celebration of the craft, recognizing the photographers who document the intersection of music, culture, and history.
Joshua Halling secured the coveted Music Moment of the Year award for his striking photograph of Oasis fans, captured during the band’s 2025 performance in Buenos Aires. Other category winners included Gabrielle Ravet for Behind the Scenes, Tom Pallant for Live Music, Frances Carter for Portrait, AF Cortés for Underground Scenes, and Giulia Spadafora for the Festivals category. Additionally, Dara Petrova was honored as the Emerging Photographer of the Year for her evocative image of a techno rave at Laboratorium in Ukraine.
The Judges’ Choice category was awarded to Angus Jenner for his capture of Oasis during the opening night of their reunion tour, while Wayne Large took home the 50 Years of Punk award for his 1979 photograph of various punk bands in Leicester’s Castle Gardens Park.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Japanese photographer Masayoshi Sukita. Best known for his 44-year collaboration with David Bowie—including the iconic cover shot for the 1977 Heroes album—Sukita’s influence on music photography is profound. Nile Rodgers accepted the award on his behalf. Furthermore, American photographer Roberta Bayley received the ICON award for her seminal work documenting the early punk rock scene, including artists such as Iggy Pop, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols.
The event, hosted by Lauren Laverne, featured live performances and underscored the importance of visual storytelling in music. Sally Davies, managing director of Abbey Road Studios, remarked on the exceptional standard of work, noting that the awards received over 24,500 submissions from 40 countries this year.
The judging panel for the 2026 edition was led by renowned photographer Rankin and featured an esteemed group of industry figures, including Nile Rodgers, Raye, and Damiano David. As these images continue to shape our shared cultural memory, the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards remain a vital platform for honoring those who capture the spirit of the music world.
