Oasis, Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Geese: Abbey Road 2026 Visual Nominees
Capturing the Chaos: The Nominees for the 2026 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards
The world of music photography is buzzing, and the curtain is about to rise on the nominees for the 2026 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards. This year’s celebration of visual artistry shines a spotlight on some of the most dynamic and iconic acts, bringing together over 24,500 images submitted from 42 countries.
The ceremony, set for September 24th, marks the fifth edition of the awards, dedicated to elevating and empowering the talent behind the lens. This year’s selection is a vibrant mosaic of musical history and contemporary energy, featuring phenomenal work centered around acts like Oasis, Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Geese, Florence + The Machine, and Kendrick Lamar.
The sheer breadth of talent nominated reflects the incredible range of music that demands visual interpretation. Beyond these major artists, the competition also featured stunning work from Tame Impala, Billy Idol, Lambrini Girls, Ho99o9, Sombr, and Amyl and the Sniffers.
The awards have already recognized foundational talent, with Japanese photographer Masayoshi Sukita set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable work spanning over four decades, including capturing images of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Marc Bolan, and Joe Strummer.
The category spotlighting the raw moments of music, Music Moment of the Year, saw fierce competition. Nominees included shots of Oasis backstage at their celebrated ‘Live ’25’ shows at Wembley, images of Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl, and dynamic captures of Charli XCX at Glastonbury Festival.
The judging panel offered high praise for the field. Head Judge Rankin noted that 2026 felt like the strongest year yet for the awards, stating that the quality of the work was genuinely exceptional, full of energy, emotion, and a unique point of view. Navigating the selection process was tough, as narrowing the field to just five finalists in each category meant overlooking many deserving images.
Further highlights included nominations for behind-the-scenes photography, showcasing the intricate world of artists like Sombr and Kendrick Lamar, as well as capturing the unique aesthetics of underground scenes and live performances, including the work of Charli XCX and Fontaines D.C..
The nominees span diverse categories, including Portrait, Festivals, Emerging Photographer of the Year, and Behind The Scenes, illustrating the holistic and multifaceted nature of music photography. As the public votes now open, the anticipation builds for which images will be celebrated at the 2026 ceremony.
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