Awards
Luis Tato Wins 'Photographer of the Year' in the 2023 POY Competition
The 81st edition of the Pictures of the Year International, the world's oldest photojournalism competition, once again honoured the work of AFP photojournalists, including Luis Tato, who received the Photographer of the Year award, the highest distinction of the competition.
Photographer of the Year et Daily life
Luis Tato received the Photographer of the Year award, the highest distinction of the 2023 POYi competition. Based in Kenya where he covers East Africa for AFP, Tato was acclaimed for his series of images capturing a wide range of subjects in the country: from documenting protests against the government to showcasing cultural events like fashion shows and dance performances. His coverage of environmental issues was also highlighted, with images of the torrential rains that hit the country in November 2023.
Tato also won first place in the Daily Life category with the photo ‘Inclusive Dance in Kenya’ taken on December 2, 2023. The image shows dancers Pauline Okumu (C) and Natalia Como (R) embracing backstage at a performance of the classic ballet "The Nutcracker," traditionally played during the Christmas period, at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi.
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In recent years, Tato's work has been repeatedly recognised by numerous international photo awards, including the Covering Climate Now Awards last September.
Sports action
Brendan Smialowski was one of the finalists in the Sport Action category for an image captured on 23rd April 2023, showing inmates participating in Convict Poker at Angola Prison in Louisiana. Their aim: to be the last competitor with hands on the table as a bull charges at them during a rodeo. This unique event, celebrating its 57th edition, allows inmates to take part in rodeo events and sell handcrafted items made behind bars.
Impact 2023: Israel-Hamas War
Mahmud Hams received an Excellence award in the Impact 2023: Israel-Hamas War category. The awarded image shows Palestinians attending the funerals of family members killed in overnight strikes in the southern Gaza Strip, in Khan Yunis, on November 13, 2023.
Spot News
Adem Altan was a finalist in the Spot News category for a symbolic image that made headlines around the world. In the picture taken on February 7, 2023, in Kahramanmaras, Turkey, a man in an orange jacket stands petrified amidst the turmoil, rain, and freezing cold. In front of a collapsed building at the epicentre of the earthquake that struck the southeast of the country on February 6, 2023, he holds the hand of his daughter who is trapped under the rubble. "Take photos of my child," he whispers to Altan.
Science & Natural History
Angelos Tzortzinis received an Excellence award in the Science & Natural History category. His image ‘Greece's Catastrophic Wildfires’ shows volunteers rescuing sheep from a burning farm during a fire in the village of Chasia, near Athens, on August 22, 2023. In 2023, Greece was the epicentre of extreme weather phenomena in Europe, with wildfires and floods caused by climate change wreaking havoc in the country.
Local News Picture Story
Ernesto Benavides was a finalist in the Local News Picture Story category with his portfolio ‘Peru: Violent State,’ which follows the anti-government protests that took place throughout the year 2023 in the country, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement.
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