In judgingMagnum Photos x LensCulture

Magnum Photography Awards 2026

The Magnum Photography Awards, run by LensCulture in partnership with Magnum Photos, awards photographers across six categories - Documentary, Street, Portrait, Fine Art, Photojournalism and Open - with winning series receiving cross-publication on LensCulture, Magnum, and BBC channels. LensCulture's wider rules ban purely AI-generated work but permit AI-assisted editing with explicit disclosure in the project statement.

AI banned
Deadline
February 18, 2026
Entry fee
Entry fees vary by award; structure not surfaced in public summary sources
Official site

The 2026 edition has ended

Entries closed on February 18, 2026. The information on this page describes this edition and stays available as a reference for the rules and the results.

Still open for entries

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Authenticity policy

AI policy

LensCulture will not accept any purely AI-generated work. However, it is acceptable to modify and edit your own original photography using AI tools, but you must clearly indicate in your project statement how you have applied AI to your submission, and the extent of the modifications.

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

LensCulture (which hosts the Magnum Photography Awards) bans purely AI-generated work across its competitions but permits AI-assisted editing if disclosed in the project statement. Awards are given in six categories - Documentary, Street, Portrait, Fine Art, Photojournalism and Open - with USD 3,000 per winning series.

Verified on June 24, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I still enter Magnum Photography Awards 2026?
No. Entries for the 2026 edition closed on February 18, 2026. Check the official site for the next edition, or look at contests that are currently open.
Does Magnum Photography Awards 2026 allow AI-generated images?
No. Magnum Photography Awards 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
When is the Magnum Photography Awards 2026 entry deadline?
Entries for Magnum Photography Awards 2026 close on February 18, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter Magnum Photography Awards 2026?
Entry fees vary by award; structure not surfaced in public summary sources

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