Here are the winners from the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025

The fourth iteration of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards (MPA) was treated with all the splendour that such an event — one that celebrates the intersection of two vital cultural pillars — deserves. Guests were greeted by an emblematic green-lit carpet to match the ceremony’s logo, and a glass of fizz to accompany their walk down the recording studio’s star-studded halls. Finally, they entered the iconic Studios One and Two, which have seen everyone from The Beatles to Lady Gaga record, where the ceremony was held.

Before the award-giving commenced, the night kicked off with an electric set by Orla Gartland, followed by an enchanting acoustic performance by Abbey Road’s Artist in Residence, Jordan Rakei. It was the perfect way to highlight the importance of music photography — the ability to communicate an artist’s unique character through a singular shot. To this end, the studio’s MD Sally Davies, commenced the ceremony with a speech: “Abbey Road has always stood at the intersection of music and creativity,” she said. “These awards are our way of celebrating the photographers who make music visible, and freeze emotion and history in a single frame.”

Behind the scenes, this year’s judging panel was led by MPA co-founder Rankin, with special guest judge Nile Rodgers joined by actor and songwriter Djo/Joe Keery, Black Pumas’ frontman Eric Burton, producer/DJ Dimitri From Paris, Sunflower Bean’s Julia Cumming, photographer Scarlet Page, two-time MPA winner Tom Pallant, Bolade Banjo, Shot by Nee, Janette Beckman and Simon Wheatley.

This year also saw the introduction of two new categories, Portrait and Festivals, alongside 2025’s guest category celebrating Club Culture. From over twenty thousand submissions across thirty countries, the judging panel selected winners who represent the very best in contemporary music photography. Meanwhile, David Bailey CBE received a special one-off Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music photography over six decades. It was presented by music legend Nile Rodgers, with video tributes from Elton John, Alice Cooper, Mary McCartney, Jarvis Cocker, Penelope Tree and Pattie Boyd. 

Following that, Anton Corbijn was honoured with the ICON Award, presented by 2024’s winner, Jill Furmanovsky. Video messages flooded in from an impressive roster including Depeche Mode, U2, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, The Killers’ Brandon Flowers, Michael Stipe and Nick Cave — the latter of whom said: “You have spent your career making me more handsome and interesting than I actually am. Your work continues to fascinate and inspire us all. You are indeed an icon!”

See below for the full list of 2025 winners.

Making Music – Jordan Curtis Hughes – Matty Healy, The 1975

Live Music – Ruby Boland – MAY-A

Music Moment of the Year (supported by Outernet London) – Kirby Gladstein – Lana Del Rey

Underground Scenes – Adam Ziegenhals – Unabomb

Emerging Photographer of the Year (supported by adidas) – Melissa Gardner – Lava La Rue

Festivals – Inès Ziouane – Festival d’été de Québec

Portrait – Alec Castillo – Adam Amram

Guest category: Club Culture – Connor Baker – Glitterbox, Hï Ibiza club room

Judges’ Choice – Platon – Nile Rodgers

Lifetime Achievement – David Bailey CBE

ICON – Anton Corbijn

All nominated and winning images will be displayed at London’s Royal Albert Hall from 22 October until 3 November, with a special free open day on Saturday 25 October between 10am and 4.30pm. A further exhibition will take place in November at Outernet London.