Iconic imagery from Oasis’s reunion tour and Charli XCX’s headline set at Glastonbury Festival has secured spots on the shortlist for the 2026 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards. The awards body announced a list of 40 finalists across eight categories on Tuesday, selecting from more than 24,500 submissions received from 42 countries.
The nominations showcase a diverse array of musical talent, including Kendrick Lamar, Fontaines DC, Tame Impala, and Sombr. Additionally, select images of FKA Twigs have been chosen for dedicated judges’ awards outside of the main competition.
Head judge Rankin, a celebrated British photographer and director, described 2026 as potentially the strongest year for the awards since their inception five years ago. He praised the exceptional quality of the entries, noting that the work was not only technically masterful but also brimming with energy and emotion.
A special guest category this year honors the 50th anniversary of punk rock. Legendary photographers Roberta Bayley and Masayoshi Sukita will receive special recognition during the ceremony. The judging panel also features high-profile figures such as Chic guitarist Nile Rogers and Brit Award winner Raye.
Among the highlighted nominees is a striking photograph by Lewis Evans capturing Liam Gallagher with a tambourine in his mouth at Wembley Stadium. Another notable entry by Jack Oliver depicts Charli XCX burning the “Brat” flag at Glastonbury, symbolizing the close of an era, which is up for best music moment. Other standout images include Joshua Halling’s capture of an Oasis fan amidst crowd chaos in Buenos Aires and Jenn Devereaux’s shot of Kendrick Lamar performing at the Super Bowl halftime show.
All 40 finalist photographs will be displayed in the LED tunnel at Outernet London from September 8 to 14. This exhibition also features five images nominated for the fan-voted music moment of the year award. Voting is currently open online via the official Music Photography Awards and Abbey Road Studios websites, as well as in person at the exhibition.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony held at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London on September 24, the site renowned for the Beatles’ 1969 album of the same name.
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