On June 23, 2026, the winner of the highest award of the 15th edition of the SLOVAK PRESS PHOTO 2026 competition was announced during the project's press conference.
The Grand Prix was awarded to Slovak photographer Michal Hanko for his photographic series “The Assassin”, documenting the aftermath of the assassination attempt on the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic and the subsequent court proceedings involving the perpetrator, Juraj Cintula.
The international jury particularly appreciated the series for its outstanding documentary value, strong social and historical significance, and the author's ability to capture one of the most consequential events in recent Slovak history through visually powerful and journalistically compelling images.
The jury agreed that the series represents an exceptional testimony to an event that profoundly influenced Slovak society and public discourse. The photographs preserve moments that will undoubtedly become part of the country's collective visual memory.
The international jury consisted of Clément Saccomani (France), Magdalena Herrera (France), Maciek Nabrdalik (Poland), Ziyah Gafić (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Tamás Révész (Hungary).
The Grand Prix is the highest distinction awarded by SLOVAK PRESS PHOTO and recognises the photograph or photographic series that, in the opinion of the jury, most powerfully reflects contemporary social reality while achieving the highest standards of visual storytelling and photographic excellence.
The winners of all competition categories will be officially announced during the SLOVAK PRESS PHOTO 2026 Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Opening, taking place on September 10, 2026, at Františkánske Square in Bratislava.
Congratulations to Michal Hanko, winner of the Grand Prix SLOVAK PRESS PHOTO 2026.
