Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award 2026
The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award is administered by the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF). It honors Anja Niedringhaus, the Pulitzer Prize–winning Associated Press photographer killed in 2014 while covering the elections in Afghanistan.
The award honors courageous, high-impact photojournalism by women, nonbinary, and gender-diverse creatives. Top prize is $20,000.
The 2026 jury draws from major US news organizations: Brent Lewis (Photo Editor, The New York Times), Enric Marti and Benny Snyder (both Associated Press), Sandra M. Stevenson (Deputy Director of Photography, The Washington Post), Bernadette Tuazon (Director of Photography, CNN Digital), Corinne Dufka (independent researcher/advisor), and Whitney Johnson (President & CEO, Catalina Island Conservancy).
Each application includes 12 photographs (6 from 2024–2026 and 6 from broader career) plus a 500-word statement. Self-nomination or third-party nomination accepted. Eligibility is restricted to women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming photojournalists working full-time in journalism.
Submission is through Picter. Application is free. The 2026 deadline was March 31; results announced May 2026.
Jury: Corinne Dufka, Independent Researcher/Advisor · Whitney Johnson, President & CEO, Catalina Island Conservancy · Brent Lewis, Photo Editor, The New York Times · Enric Marti, Deputy Director of Photography, Associated Press · Benny Snyder, Photo Editor & Contest Coordinator, Associated Press · Sandra M. Stevenson, Deputy Director of Photography, The Washington Post · Bernadette Tuazon, Director of Photography, CNN Digital
Organized by International Women's Media Foundation