Sharjah: As the Xposure International Photography Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, the Xposure International Photography and Film Awards 2025-2026 have garnered significant global interest. A remarkable 14,359 photography submissions from 109 countries advanced past the initial round of curation out of an initial 29,000 entries, along with 634 film entries from over 60 nations. According to Emirates News Agency, the festival, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), honors innovation, creativity, and technical expertise in the fields of photography and film. Over the years, Xposure has evolved into a prominent platform for visual storytellers to exhibit their work, share their narratives, and inspire audiences worldwide. The festival features a diverse array of events, including curated exhibitions, live screenings, workshops, and panel discussions, attracting both emerging talents and established figures in the industry. The photography awards encompass 10 categories, spanning a va riety of genres such as Nature and Landscape, Street Photography, Portraiture, Mobile Photography, Architectural Photography, Night Photography, Photomanipulation and AI, Sports Photography, Visual Storytelling, and the Junior category for UAE residents under 18. Among the photography submissions, Nature and Landscape emerged as the most popular category, accounting for approximately 22% of total entries, followed by Street Photography with nearly 20%, and Portraiture with about 17%. Countries with the highest participation included China, Iran, India, the UAE, and Bangladesh, highlighting the festival's international appeal and its expanding influence across diverse creative communities. The awards process entails a three-stage judging procedure. Initially, 29 judges evaluate all submissions for visual appeal and artistic impact. During the second round, 23 judges assess shortlisted entries based on composition, technical quality, and relevance to the category theme. The final round is supervised by the Awa rds Oversight Committee, comprising Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalists Essdras M. Suarez and Muhammed Muheisen, photojournalist Giles Clarke, visual journalism expert Lars Boering, creative media professional Ricardo Lopez, and international curator Wiktoria Michalkiewicz. This committee evaluates the top 8 entries in each category to determine the winners and runners-up. "The Xposure Photography and Film Awards are a celebration of purpose," stated Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB. "Behind every image and frame is a story that challenges, inspires, or enlightens. Through these awards, Sharjah continues its mission to be a city that nurtures creativity and honors those voices who bring meaning and global issues into focus." Film entries compete in four award categories: 'Best Cinematic Arts' Award, 'Best Visual Effects' Award, 'Best Documentary' Award, and 'Best Short Film' Award. Winners and nominees for both photography and film will be announced during the event, with all shortlisted work s showcased in the Xposure exhibition. Celebrating a decade of artistic achievement, the Xposure International Photography Festival is recognized as one of the MENA region's most anticipated events, providing a captivating glimpse into varied human experiences and creative visions.