Iranian artist Maryam Saeedpoor recently secured the title of Fine Art Photographer of the Year at the 2026 International Photography Awards. Consequently, the prestigious organization recognized her poignant wartime series, Painful Hug, as the top entry in its fine art division. This important victory places her among the elite finalists competing for the grand professional title.
The global competition selected Saeedpoor from a vast field of international entries this season. Her winning collection captures an emotional scene from Tehran during a period of intense military conflict. The jury praised her ability to express protection, fear, and peace through a simple human embrace.
Juror Patti O’Halloran highlighted how the visual series balances feelings of physical pain and tender comfort. Meanwhile, Saeedpoor created these moving images while spending tense days watching over her city from a rooftop. She aimed to visually hold the capital city and shield its residents from the surrounding danger. Additionally, she expressed hope that world leaders would embrace one another instead of choosing international warfare.
As a result of this victory, Saeedpoor earns a $1,000 cash prize and advances to the final round. She will now compete against ten other professional division winners for the top global title. Ultimately, judges will award the main $10,000 prize to the overall Photographer of the Year.
the organization will host its annual awards ceremony at the Benaki Museum in Athens on October 11. The gathering is expected to be a major highlight for the international fine-art and documentary photography community.
Saeedpoor’s recognition also highlights the increasing global visibility of contemporary photojournalists from the Middle East. Similarly, her triumph demonstrates how personal human narratives can transcend political divides and connect with global audiences. In short, fine-art photography continues to shape public understanding of distant conflicts through powerful visual storytelling.
Looking ahead, the upcoming gala in Greece will showcase all eleven category winners to international collectors and curators. Organizers expect high attendance from visual-media leaders and art critics at the October gathering. Finally, Saeedpoor plans to attend the main event as she awaits the final contest results.