Nominations are officially open for all three 2026 IWMF awards programs: the Courage in Journalism Awards, the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award, and the Gwen Ifill Award. Each of these prestigious awards recognizes women and non-binary journalists who tell stories of conflict, corruption, and human rights violations, often risking their safety and careers to share hard truths.
For more than 35 years, the IWMF’s Courage in Journalism Awards have recognized women and nonbinary journalists who exemplify bravery, persistence, and resilience, going above and beyond to hold power to account.
Sound like someone you know? Now is your chance to nominate an exceptional journalist who has demonstrated a deep commitment to press freedom and leadership in the field.
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The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award honors the legacy of AP photographer and IWMF Courage Award winner Anja Niedringhaus, who was killed while reporting from Afghanistan in 2014. This award, which includes a $20,000 cash prize, recognizes the courageous work of women and nonbinary photojournalists who use photography to show the harsh realities of war, genocide, and humanitarian crises.
Established upon the passing of the legendary PBS NewsHour anchor, our Gwen Ifill Award was created to honor one of the most respected journalists of our time and a trailblazer for women in media.
This award is open to women and nonbinary journalists working across the United States who embody Gwen’s values and lived experience. This includes a demonstrated commitment to mentorship, leadership, and advocacy for diverse perspectives in journalism.
