Liam Gallagher's tambourine grin and Charli XCX says bye to Brat - Music Photography Awards 2026 shortlist

This image of Liam Gallagher facing Oasis fans at Wembley is nominated in the live music category Striking images of Oasis's reunion tour and Charli XCX bringing Brat to Glastonbury Festival are among the nominees at this year's Abbey Road Music Photography Awards. The awards, which this year considered works 24,500 submissions from 42 different countries, released a shortlist of 40 finalists across eight categories on Tuesday. The likes of Kendrick Lamar, Fontaines DC, Tame Impala and Sombr also feature in the shots, while other images of stars including FKA Twigs have been selected - out of competition - for judges' awards. All of the finalist photographs will go on display in the LED tunnel at entertainment complex Outernet London from 8 to 14 September. These will include the five pieces picked out for consideration in the fan-voted music moment of the year award. Voting is available online via the official websites of both the Music Photography Awards (MPA, external) and Abbey Road Studios, and in person at the exhibition. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London studios - made famous by the 1969 Beatles album of the same name - on 24 September. It was previously announced that photographers Roberta Bayley and Masayoshi Sukita will both receive special recognition on the night. The judging panel includes artists from around the worlds of music and photography, including Chic guitarist and producer Nile Rogers and Brit Award-winning singer Raye.