Oskouei wins top IPA award in photojournalism
Iranian photographer, filmmaker and historian of photography Mehrdad Oskouei won first prize in the analog photojournalism category at the 2025 International Photography Awards (IPA).
The IPA, founded in 2003 and regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious contests for professional photographers, honored Oskouei’s black-and-white image titled ‘Amidst the Rubble of Disaster’, ILNA reported.
The photograph, capturing the face of a teenage boy in earthquake ruins, stood out among eight of his works shortlisted for the finals. In a rare feat, seven other entries from Oskouei received honorable mentions.
Oskouei, who has built a career weaving together art, research and documentary practice, described the award as recognition of photography’s ability to bear witness. The jury, an international panel of experts, said the image offered “poignant” testimony of human resilience.
The annual IPA brings together photographers from across genres ranging from news, sport and advertising to portraiture, nature, architecture and ritual traditions.
The competition, open to artists of every background and level of expertise, aims to discover new talent while offering established names a global stage.