Music
19 · 05 · 2026
The fifth edition of the Abbey Road Studios Music Photography Awards have been confirmed.
The illustrious studio complex has built a reputation for celebrating music photography, with its annual awards ceremony profiling new names and long-time legends.
The fifth edition is now open – the MPAs is free to enter and open to all levels of experience.
The final ceremony takes place at Abbey Road Studios in London on September 24th, with judges including legendary photographer Rankin, disco king Nile Rodgers, and RAYE, alongside Måneskin frontman Damiano David, Abbey Road’s multi award-winning Producer In Residence Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Kings of Leon), and more.
In addition to the open categories, California native and New York City resident Roberta Bayley (Iggy Pop, Blondie/Debbie Harry, The Ramones) has been confirmed as the recipient of this year’s ICON award.
The iconic photographer took the snap for Ramones’ debut album – find it up top – amongst many other influential images.
Speaking about receiving this year’s ICON award, Roberta says: “I am very honoured to be receiving the Abbey Road ICON award, especially to be in the company of such great photographers as David Bailey, Anton Corbijn and Jill Furmanovsky. This New York punk has come a long way!!”
This year’s open categories:
- Festivals – supported by DHL (Headline Partner)
- Emerging Photographer of the Year – supported by adidas
- Music Moment of the Year – supported by Outernet London
- Live Music – supported by Hydro Flask
- Behind The Scenes (BTS) – supported by Abbey Road
- Portrait
- Underground Scenes
- Guest Category – 50 Years of Punk
This year’s Invited Categories:
- Judges Choice
- ICON
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