The Xposure International Photography and Film Awards for the 2026–2027 season have achieved significant global engagement, drawing over 22,000 total submissions from 108 countries. This extensive pool of entries includes 21,587 photographs and 543 film projects. With the submission phase now concluded, an international panel comprising 37 photographers, experts, and industry professionals has commenced the evaluation process, focusing on visual appeal, technical quality, originality, and artistic impact.
Participation is notably led by creators from the UAE, India, and China. This diverse response sets the stage for the 11th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, which is hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB). The final results, including category winners and runners-up, will be unveiled during the festival, where selected works will also be showcased in an exhibition. With finalists and winners to be selected across the various categories, judging has now begun. Alongside an overall winner, a winner and runner-up will be selected in each category.
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the SGMB, emphasized that the robust participation underscores the festival’s standing as a premier global hub for visual storytelling. He stated that the awards serve as a reflection of Sharjah’s broader commitment to fostering creative talent, providing a platform for artists to present work that carries both significant artistic merit and human relevance. Allay added that by supporting these creators, the festival helps preserve cultural expression for future generations and honors the dedication required to impact public awareness. He noted that investment in photography recognises creativity as an essential part of cultural expression and helps pass its value to future generations.
The competition spans a wide range of creative disciplines. The photography awards are divided into 10 categories, including Nature & Landscape—which saw the highest engagement at 23%—followed by Street Photography at 19% and Portraiture at 15%. Other categories include Architectural Photography, Mobile Photography, Night Photography, Photomanipulation and AI, Sports Photography, Visual Storytelling, and a specific Junior category for UAE residents under 18. Additionally, the film component features four categories: Narrative Short Film, Documentary Short Film, Environmental or Social Impact Film, and Action, Innovation and New Tools.
To ensure a rigorous and fair selection, shortlisted entries undergo a detailed assessment regarding composition, storytelling, and thematic relevance. Once the judges finalize their scoring, the Awards Oversight Committee will conduct a final review to confirm consistency and adherence to established criteria, ensuring that the selected winners represent the highest standards of the craft.