12 Best Shots of the World Press Photo 2024 Exhibition

1. Alejandro Cegarra, The Two Walls

One of the most prominent themes of the exhibition are complex socio-political issues of today. Accordingly, the World Press Photo jury granted the Long-Term Project Award to Alejandro Cegarra who captures the global migration crisis through honest and emotional storytelling. Being a migrant himself, Cegarra successfully exposes both its harsh realities and the resilience of those affected.

As Mexico has tightened its immigration policies since 2019—driven by U.S. policies, COVID-19 measures, and regional instability—migrant families face increasing dangers in border towns. Through his photography, Cegarra seeks to foster greater understanding, empathy, and solidarity for those navigating these hardships.

2. Aletheia Casey, A Lost Place

Another pressing global issue was addressed through the work of Aletheia Casey who grapples with the environmental and personal impact of the 2019–2020 wildfires in New South Wales. As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to rising global temperatures, Casey’s project highlights the urgency to deal with the seriousness of the climate crisis. She re-contextualizes and manipulates her photography to create powerful visual metaphors for both the destruction of the land and her own emotional turmoil.

3. Pablo Ernesto Piovano, The Return of the Ancient Voices

Pablo Ernesto Piovano’s work highlights the deep connection between the environment, culture, and spirituality within Mapuche communities, the Indigenous people of southern Argentina and Chile. Having survived centuries of colonization and territorial conflicts, they now face a new threat: the commercial exploitation of their ancestral lands through mining, forestry, and energy projects.

For the Mapuche, this is more than a land dispute—their territory is central to their cultural and spiritual identity. The destruction of the environment disrupts their connection to nature, ancestors, and community well-being. Piovano’s project provides insight into their ongoing struggle to protect both their land and way of life.

4. Julia Kochetova, War Is Personal

Another work that was especially recognized and won the World Press Photo Open Format Award was Julia Kochetova’s War is Personal. As the title suggests, Kochetova focused on the individual and deeply personal portrayal of the war. Unlike traditional news coverage focused on statistics and masses, her project offers a personal perspective on the daily realities of Ukrainians. She combined photography with poetry, audio, and music, which added layers of emotion and symbolism that go beyond images alone. Her work captures not just the devastation of war but also the resilience, hope, and strength of those enduring it. Here you can access the interactive website of her project to find out more.

5. Marco Garro, Silenced Crimes

Photographer Marco Garro explores another important social issue of today, the persecution and violence imposed on the LGBTQI+ community. Garro focuses on the the region of Peruvian Amazon where these stories remain largely untold. This detailed web report sheds light on the abuse faced by LGBTQI+ people in the region, where the penal code does not acknowledge violence based on prejudice, leaving many killings unrecorded. Through photos and personal testimonies, the project gives voice to survivors, many of whom are sharing their experiences publicly for the first time.

6. Zied Ben Romdhane, The Escape

An important focus is also put on the struggles of young people worldwide due to globally increasing environmental crises and economic instabilities. The project of photographer Zied Ben Romdhane explores this topic in Tunisia, a country where the 2011 revolution sparked hope for democracy and freedom of expression. However, the following decade brought political instability, economic crises, and social inequality, deeply affecting the youth.

The project explores the complexities of different issues they are facing, such as the lack of opportunities, protests over inflation and food shortages in 2022, and the environmental and health challenges posed by the phosphate industry. Nevertheless, The Escape also highlights the resilience, creativity, and aspirations of Tunisia’s youth, striving for a better future despite overwhelming challenges.

7. Mohammed Salem, A Palestinian Woman Embraces the Body of Her Niece

Unfortunately, war and socio-political unrest are common themes in many works, reflecting the painful reality of our time. This work was chosen as the World Press Photo of the Year for its striking emotional impact that makes a powerful statement on the futility of war. The image shows both the literal and metaphorical loss caused by conflict and deeply resonates with the viewer.

8–12. Other Awarded Works

The World Press Photo 2024 Exhibition tells the story of the world we live in. It highlights the profound impact of photography as an art form, allowing us to peer into different parts of the world and witness diverse lives and emotional journeys. The exhibition reveals important global issues, offering a raw, honest, and often shocking look at the personal battles many face. It reminds us of our shared humanity—sometimes we live through similar struggles, while other times we need a reminder of the challenges others are enduring.

Below you can take a look at a few more pieces that were chosen as either Regional Winners or received an Honorable Mention by the World Press Photo 2024 jury. The good news is that the exhibition is still running and it is displayed in several locations worldwide. Just check the schedule to see what location is the closest to you. This is the one you do not want to miss!