2026 Photojournalism Championship
This year, 217 entries were received in the two photojournalism competitions held during the academic year. Five top winners from the News & Features and Picture Story/Series competitions qualified to participate in the Hearst National Photojournalism Championship.
Saturday, May 30, shortly after arriving in San Francisco, the photo finalists met the judges – Danny Gawlowski, Boyzell Hosey and Elodie Mailliet Storm – for orientation, a portfolio critique and to review of their Championship assignment.
This year’s prompt for a photo essay was: “250 Years of USA – This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Share a story that considers “What does it mean to be American?” from a Californian perspective, while reflecting the country’s past, present, and future.”
The judges received the final portfolios Wednesday evening. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday.
The first-through-third place winners were awarded scholarships of $10,000, $7,500, and $5,000 respectively. The two finalists earned $1,500 scholarship awards.
The winners and finalists are featured below.
