Leica Oskar Barnack Award

Deadline: Nomination only
Entry Fee: No entry fee; nomination only
Prize: 2026 main award: €40,000 plus Leica camera and lens
Website: www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com/en/

The main award is selected through nominations. See the official website for the Women Grant’s separate application process.

About the Competition

The main Leica Oskar Barnack Award is nomination only, rather than an open-entry contest. Its separate Women Grant accepts project applications during announced calls; the 2026 application phase has ended.

Official competition website and rules

Prizes

The 2026 main award offers €40,000 and a Leica camera and lens. The separate Women Grant offers €10,000, a Leica Q camera and professional support.

Theme

People and their environment. Refer to the official site for the next edition’s theme and category descriptions.

Eligibility

Main-award candidates are proposed by appointed nominators. The Women Grant is for women aged 21 or older pursuing photography professionally or with professional intent. No open call is currently listed.

Copyrights & Licensing

Shortlisted and awarded work is subject to irrevocable, royalty-free rights for awards-related press, marketing, publications and exhibitions, without time or territorial limits. Check the full rules for your award route.