Liam Gallagher's tambourine grin and Charli XCX says bye to Brat - Music Photography Awards 2026 shortlist

The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards have unveiled their shortlist for 2026, showcasing a diverse array of striking images that document some of the most memorable music moments from the past year. This year’s competition attracted over 24,500 submissions from photographers across 42 countries, emphasizing the global reach and vibrant creativity within music photography.

Among the nominees are compelling shots that capture the energy and emotion of live performances, such as Liam Gallagher’s candid expression while engaging with Oasis fans during the band’s reunion tour at Wembley Stadium. This image is a finalist in the category recognizing the best live music moments, highlighting the enduring appeal of Oasis’s return to the stage.

Another standout entry comes from photographer Jack Oliver, whose image of Charli XCX burning the "Brat" flag at Glastonbury Festival symbolizes the close of a significant chapter in the artist’s career. This evocative photograph is also nominated for the coveted music moment of the year, illustrating how imagery can encapsulate pivotal cultural shifts within the music industry.

The awards also spotlight a range of other influential artists, including Kendrick Lamar, whose presence at the Super Bowl halftime show is captured amidst a visually patriotic tableau. Irish band Fontaines DC, Australian punk act Private Function, and electronic visionary Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker also feature prominently, reflecting a wide spectrum of genres and styles.

In addition to live performance photographs, the competition includes portraits and behind-the-scenes glimpses that reveal the personalities and environments behind the music. Images such as a fisheye lens portrait of The OGM from HO99O9, a candid moment of the New York band Geese preparing for a shoot, and a serene scene of Yorkshire singer-songwriter Billie Marten on horseback in New Zealand contribute to the nuanced storytelling evident in the shortlisted works.

This year’s awards also pay tribute to the enduring legacy of punk music, marking its 50th anniversary with a special guest category. Photographers Roberta Bayley and Masayoshi Sukita, both influential figures in punk photography, will receive special recognition during the ceremony. Historic images like a 1979 photograph of punk musicians in Leicester underscore the genre’s lasting impact and the visual documentation that has accompanied it.

The judging panel for the 2026 awards includes notable figures from both music and photography circles, such as Nile Rodgers, guitarist and producer for Chic, and Brit Award-winning singer Raye. Their expertise contributes to a well-rounded evaluation of submissions that balance technical excellence with artistic expression.

All finalist photographs will be exhibited in the LED tunnel at Outernet London from September 8 to 14, providing the public with a dynamic viewing experience. Visitors can participate in voting for the fan-favorite music moment of the year either online or in person at the exhibition. The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on September 24 at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, a location steeped in music history.

This iteration of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards underscores the evolving landscape of music culture, where photography plays a crucial role in capturing transient but powerful moments. The expansive range of nominees from emerging artists to established acts offers a comprehensive snapshot of the music world’s vibrancy and diversity as captured through the lens.

While the awards celebrate technical skill, they also emphasize the emotional resonance and unique perspectives conveyed by photographers worldwide. As head judge Rankin noted, the quality and energy evident in this year’s submissions mark a particularly strong chapter in the event’s five-year history, highlighting music photography’s dynamic and exciting trajectory.