Meet the Oskar Barnack Award potential winners

Leica has revealed the 12 finalists for the 45th edition of the prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), one of the most respected photography competitions in the world. Each shortlisted photographer has produced a series that demonstrates not only artistic excellence but also deep emotional and cultural relevance.

Selected by an international jury of industry experts, including former LOBA winner Jane Evelyn Atwood and representatives from leading photography institutions, this year’s finalists reflect a wide spectrum of global concerns –from war and migration to climate change, identity and marginalised communities.

The finalists include Lynsey Addario, who documents a young Ukrainian girl’s fight for survival; Gideon Mendel, whose long-term series tackles climate-induced flooding; and Arlette Bashizi, highlighting the impact of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Others explore themes such as LGBTQ+ expression in China (Xiangjie Peng), migrant workers in Dongguan (Zhan Youbing), and life inside a squatted hospital in Cape Town (Jodi Windvogel).

The LOBA Newcomer Award will also honour an emerging talent selected through a network of international photography schools. Both winners will be announced on 9 October 2025 at Leica’s HQ in Wetzlar as part of the company’s centenary celebrations.

Winners will receive generous prizes, including €40,000 and Leica gear for the main award, and €10,000 plus a Leica Q3 for the Newcomer. The finalists’ work will be featured in a major exhibition at the Ernst Leitz Museum, followed by a global tour through Leica Galleries and festivals.

Explore the shortlisted series at leica-oskar-barnack-award.com.