Spotlight Awards 2026

Production Paradise's annual commercial and advertising photography awards, now in their ninth edition. The real draw is the jury: more than fifty picture editors, art buyers, creative directors and brand leads from IKEA, The Economist, Volvo Cars, Unilever, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Ogilvy, Droga5, UNICEF, The Guardian and Mattel. Entrants opt in to having their work shown to every judge, and the organisers pitch it as a hiring channel as much as a competition — winner or not. Fifteen categories, one of them for AI-developed imagery. Each submission is a single image, commissioned or personal work, open to photographers in all countries over 18. The Grand Prize winner takes $1,000 cash plus a portfolio review ticket and strategy sessions; category winners receive sponsor packages, with a total prize pool over $40,000. Shortlists are announced from 1 September, winners on 22 September 2026.