The MPAs is proud to say that over 22,000 images were entered this year, an increase of over 40% from 2023, with entries from over 28 different countries. Izzy Nuzzo, Tom Pallant, AF Cortes & Lorenzo Reali are all now double MPA nominees, having been featured in last year’s shortlist. Among the global artists that feature within the shortlisted images this year are Blur, Drake, Fred again.., Shabaka Hutchings, Travis Scott and Yves Tumor.
A look at this year's nominees...
In the open categories, the nominees for Undiscovered Photographer of The Year (supported by adidas), include Izzy Nuzzo (Drake) and Andreia Lemos (Amyl and the Sniffers), while nominees in the Music Moment of The Year category (supported by Outernet London) include Tom Pallant (Blur) and Sam Neill (Fred Again..). Alec Castillo (Iggy Pop) and Isaiah Pate (Glaive) are nominated in Live Music, while Jodi Rogers is nominated for images of Max Kelan in Underground Scenes. The nominees for Making Music include Maninder Ram (Lancey Foux) and Lauren Harris (Joesef), while this year's special guest category Jazz: The Rebirth of Cool features nominations for Diogo Lopes (Ezra Collective) and Adrien H. Tillmann (Billy Harper), as well as two different pictures of Shabaka Hutchings by Lauren Luxenberg and Leszek Gawin.
In the invited categories, the nominees for Portrait include Jennifer McCord’s picture of Arlo Parks, while Bolade Banjo is nominated for their Headie One image in the Editorial category.
Speaking about this year’s shortlist, MPAs lead judge Rankin says:
“This was undoubtedly my favourite moment of the summer. It’s such a thrill and an honour to be part of this competition, and to get to see the incredible entries which just keep getting better. Thank you so much to the fantastic panel of judges, the brilliant entries (22,000 this year) and of course everyone at Abbey Road.”
Charles Jeffrey announced as designer of the 2024 trophy
Charles Jeffrey, the celebrated Scottish designer and Creative Director of international fashion powerhouse LOVERBOY, has today been confirmed as the designer of the 2024 MPA trophy, to be presented to the winners at the ceremony on 3 October. Drawing inspiration from the textures, sounds and stories of Abbey Road, Charles painted bespoke artwork for the trophies within the walls of the Gatehouse studio, to the piano accompaniment of rising British singer-songwriter JNR Williams (following recent collaborations with Jungle and Loyle Carner). Charles painted four canvases and produced five drawings, each in response to the music from Williams. The sound and environment unlocked various mark making decisions.
Having recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary, LOVERBOY was founded from humble beginnings in Charles’s East London bedroom and is carried in over 90 stores across the world. Drawn to the inherent magic in queerness, Charles and his collaborators create fashion dreamscapes, adding new layers to the brand’s story with each passing season. Together they weave the folkloric thread of Scottish history into the rich tapestry of London’s queer nightlife and music scenes.
"To be given the opportunity to paint whilst hearing live music from JNR Williams in Abbey Road Studios was a real gift. It’s great to have my work aligned with the Music Photography Awards, as music means a lot to me so it’s a joy to be involved." - Charles Jeffrey
“Given the inextricable link between music, art and fashion, it’s a real thrill to be able to invite one of Britain’s most celebrated young designers into Abbey Road to create this year’s trophy. There couldn’t be a better choice as Charles Jeffrey’s label was born on the dancefloor and is rooted in music – as evidenced in a design process that made for a collision of art and sound, with Charles’ expressive brush strokes being reflected in JNR Williams’ jazz-inflected piano.” - Abbey Road’s Head of Brand, Mark Robertson
Watch the behind-the-scenes film:
MPAs return to Outernet
Also announced is the return of Abbey Road Studios' partnership with Outernet London to exhibit the shortlisted images within London’s premier immersive entertainment district. The exhibition will be free to attend and launches on Saturday 14 September with all 30 images across the six open categories on display for just over a week in the Now Pop One space, adjacent to Charing Cross Road.
It will once again allow visitors to vote for their favourite photo in the Music Moment of the Year category via interactive screens. This gives music and photography fans the chance to participate in the awards, while expanding on Abbey Road’s aim to gain further widespread recognition of the art of music photography and those behind the lens. Voting is also possible on the MPA website from Saturday 14 September.
