Shortlist August-Sander-Award 2026

In 2026, the August Sander Prize, established by Ulla Bartenbach and Prof. Dr. Kurt Bartenbach, will be awarded for the fifth time; more than 110 photographers submitted entries in response to the call for submissions. Once again, the call for entries garnered international interest; in addition to Germany, submissions were received from Belgium, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain. Outside of Europe, we received entries from Australia, China, Hong Kong, and the United States.

After a lively discussion, the jury selected a shortlist of eight entries from which the winner will be chosen:

Frieder Bickhardt (Leipzig), „City Plaza“, 2016–2020 and 2022–2026
Leon Duellberg (Essen), „Im Watt“, 2022–2024
Johanna Eckhardt (Wedding), „Geteilter Himmel“, 2024–2025
Michel Kekulé (Berlin), „Bestandslast“, 2023–2026
Alexander Lackmann (Essen), „Gelb ist Geschichte!“, 2024–today
Sophie Nawova Meyer (Berlin), „Diese DDR“, 2024–today
Karla Schradi (Bielefeld), „Spiegel ohne Glas, 2023–2025
Antine Karla Yzer (Hamburg), „It’s not violence, if it’s normal“, 2024–today

The projects selected for the shortlist are characterized by a particular sensitivity to socially relevant issues. Many draw on contemporary historical events and living conditions under specific political systems, reflecting on how past experiences remain relevant today and influence people’s lives. The relationship between the individual and the social environment is explored through the lens of various social groups, addressing specific problem areas in the process. The documentary and expressive possibilities of the medium of photography and portraiture are once again demonstrated in compelling diversity, according to the jury, consisting of Dr. Anja Bartenbach, donor family; Prof. Dr. Franziska Brons, Freie Universität Berlin; Jean-Paul Deridder, curator, Brussels; Andreas Mader, photographer, Winterthur; Claudia Schubert, curator, Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur.

The fifth winner of the August Sander Award will be announced in June.

Learn more