The 9th edition of the BBA Photography Prize is a landmark exhibition that serves as the centerpiece of the 2026 festival season. This year’s showcase is the result of an intensive global search, bringing together a curated selection of artists who represent the pinnacle of contemporary photographic practice. By placing these works within the BBA Gallery, we immerse the audience in the heart of Berlin’s thriving international art scene, creating a space where visual innovation meets critical dialogue.

The selection process for this year’s prize was guided by a distinguished jury of industry professionals who scrutinized entries for more than just aesthetic appeal. Our panel sought out a rare combination of visual excellence, powerful storytelling, and conceptual depth. From seasoned photographers with established international track records to promising talents just beginning their creative journeys, every artist featured in this room has demonstrated a profound mastery of technical craftsmanship and a genuine understanding of their subject matter.

This exhibition is designed to be a catalyst for connection, bridging the gap between creators, industry partners, and a global audience. Beyond the physical gallery walls, the 9th edition benefits from extensive promotional campaigns that project these images across Berlin and into the international digital landscape. This event is not merely a display of finished works, but a vital networking hub intended to foster long-term visibility and partnership opportunities for the photographers involved.

As you move through the gallery, you are invited to engage with the diverse themes and perspectives that define the photographic medium in 2026. This collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of the lens to capture the complexities of our world with precision and passion. We celebrate these artists for their bravery in exploration and their dedication to the craft of excellence.

The exhibition will be proudly sponsored by Lavazza. Featuring the Blend Forward Award, sponsored by Lavazza for the second time, celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation in art and culture. Rooted in the values of Blending Times, Blending Roots, Blending Cultures and Blending Minds, it honours artists who foster dialogue across generations, origins and perspectives.

In 2026, this vision is complemented by Lavazza’s campaign theme “Pleasure Makes Us Human”, which explores the essence of Italianità—a lifestyle of openness, vitality and joy. Together, these principles inspire creativity that blends heritage with progress, reflecting Lavazza’s belief that pleasure and cultural exchange make life truly vibrant.