World Press 2024

Firecracker photographer Lee-Ann Olwage wins World Press Photo Story of the Year 2024!

Photographs of war, grief and hope have topped this year’s World Press Photo awards – one of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions.

The four global winners were selected from 24 regional winners, which were chosen from more than 61,000 entries from 3,851 photographers in 130 countries, were praised for their courage, skill and empathy.

Lee-Ann Olwage won Story of the Year with an intimate study of “Dada” Paul Rakotozandriny, 91, who lives with dementia, in Madagascar, cared for by his daughter Fara for GEO magazine.

The jury commented: “This story tackles a universal health issue through the lens of family and care. The selection of images are composed with warmth and tenderness reminding viewers of the love and closeness necessary in a time of war and aggression worldwide.”

“Each of these winning photographers is intimately and personally familiar with their topics. This helps them bring a deeper understanding to the rest of us, which hopefully leads to empathy and compassion. I am thankful for their dedication, courage, professionalism and skill.” – Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director, World Press Photo