Summary
- The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence returns for 2026.
- The winner will have their project published as a photobook by GOST.
- The prize also includes £5,000.
- Entries close on September 30, 2026.
- The winner will be announced on November 30, 2026.
- AI-generated images are not allowed.
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence returns for 2026, giving one established photojournalist the chance to have their work published as a dedicated photobook.
Now in its second year, the award recognizes a completed or nearly completed long-form photojournalism project, with the winner receiving publication by the UK-based publisher GOST and a £5,000 cash prize.
The importance of the award goes beyond the financial element, as the winning project will be turned into a photobook, sold through GOST’s platform and promoted by The Guardian, offering meaningful international visibility to the photographer.
An award for mature photojournalism projects
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence is aimed at experienced photojournalists who have developed an extensive body of work suitable for publication. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and submit a project that is close to completion or already has the necessary depth and coherence to become a book.
Submissions must include a short biography, a brief project description and up to 40 images from the series. The entry fee is £50, while the organizers note that AI-generated imagery is not allowed.
What the winner receives
The winner will work with GOST on the creation of a specially designed photobook based on the awarded project. They will also receive a £5,000 cash prize, which is also intended to support a visit to the printing facilities in Verona, Italy.
GOST is a London-based publisher known for visual arts and photography books, having worked with major names in photography, including Don McCullin.
Key dates for the award
Entries for the Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence 2026 are open until September 30, 2026.
Judging will take place in October, while the winner will be announced on November 30, 2026.
Take a look here.
The legacy of Tom Stoddart
The award is named after Tom Stoddart, the British photojournalist who covered some of the most significant events of recent decades. His career spanned around five decades and included assignments covering major historical moments, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa.
The award was founded in 2025 by the Ian Parry Memorial Fund, which is also known for its long-running grant supporting emerging photojournalists.
The 2025 winner
The first winner of the award, in 2025, was Laura Pannack, for her photographic series documenting children’s dangerous school journeys in Cape Town, South Africa.
Her selection highlighted the award’s focus on projects with social depth, long-term research and a clear photojournalistic narrative.
What we think
The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence is an interesting addition to the photography awards landscape because it does not stop at a simple cash prize. The opportunity to turn a complete project into a photobook gives the work a meaningful afterlife and can become an important step for a photojournalist with a mature body of work.
Frequently asked questions
When do entries close?
Entries are open until September 30, 2026.
What does the winner receive?
The winner will have their project published as a photobook by GOST and will receive £5,000.
Who can enter?
Photojournalists aged 18 and over can enter, provided they have an extensive project suitable for publication.
Are AI-generated images allowed?
No, the organizers state that AI-generated imagery is not allowed.
