Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2026: Judging Process
For 2026, a carefully selected group of industry-leading photographers, artists, and cultural voices come together to review entries from across the globe - bringing expertise, perspective, and a shared understanding of music’s visual language.
The MPA judging unfolds in two distinct stages: the Shortlisting Panel and the Judging Panel.
The Shortlisting Panel
Every entry to The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2026 is reviewed with equal consideration. The shortlisting panel of photographic and creative experts is led by MPA Chief Shortlister & Global Ambassador Sacha Lecca (Rolling Stone U.S.), with London based photographer and previous MPAs winner Andreia Lemos (Wolf Alice, Sleaford Mods, Amyl and the Sniffers), NYC based music and portrait photographer Rich Fury (Madison Square Garden / Sphere), and Bristol based Khali Ackford (Turnstile, Kneecap). Brooklyn based photographer Ebru Yildiz, (Interpol, Sharon Van Etten) and The Standard’s Head of Design, Ped Millichamp complete the shortlisting panel.
Together, the Shortlisting Panel undertakes the most extensive part of the process - reviewing every single image submitted. From this, they identify the strongest work across each category, selecting approximately 15–20 standout images per category. These selected works form the official MPA 2026 shortlist - a curated collection representing the most compelling photography from this year’s entries.
Judging at Abbey Road
The second stage takes place at the iconic Abbey Road, where the Judging Panel convenes for a dedicated day of review and discussion.
The judging panel is led by MPA head judge and co-founder, British photographer, publisher, and film director Rankin (Madonna, Bjork, Miley Cyrus), alongside music icon and special guest judge Nile Rodgers, seven time BRIT Awards winner RAYE, acclaimed Italian singer-songwriter and Måneskin frontman Damiano David, world-renowned portrait and documentary photographer Platon (Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Muhammad Ali), music, fashion and culture photographer Dean Chalkley (Liam Gallagher, Daft Punk), Dennis Morris (Bob Marley, The Sex Pistols) who captured some of the most defining music moments of all time, and Abbey Road’s multi award-winning Producer In Residence Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon). Frontwoman of the Mercury Prize winning English Teacher, Lily Fontaine, previous MPAs finalist Phoebe Fox (Arctic Monkeys, Florence + The Machine), U.S. photographer Jackie Lee Young (Leon Bridges, Khruangbin), Japanese-American singer-songwriter and cultural icon, Hikaru Utada, and guest judge Simon Wheatley (Don’t Call Me Urban) complete the diverse and talented group of judges for 2026.
Working category by category, the judges review the shortlisted images to select the top five finalists in each. From these finalists, a winner for each category is chosen.
Apart from Music Moment of the Year - which will once again be decided by the public, opening the final stage of judging to a wider audience.
How the Work Is Judged
Across both stages, judges consider subject matter, technical skill, approach, creativity, relevance to category, and narrative. Particular attention is given to an image’s ability to capture a moment, convey emotion, and reflect the cultural significance of music.
The process is designed to ensure that every submission is assessed fairly, and that the final selections represent a true cross-section of global music photography today.
The Final Reveal
All winners will be announced at the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards ceremony on 24 September 2026 - a night dedicated to celebrating the photographers behind the lens, who are shaping how music is seen.
From first submission to final selection, MPA 2026 is a process built on expertise, integrity, and a deep respect for the craft.
If you have a body of work that captures the energy, emotion, and culture of music, this is your moment to share it. Whether you are emerging, undiscovered, or established, your images deserve to be seen.
Entries are open now and close on 30 June.
Submit your work at mpa.photo.