Photographs. Stories.
Pink Ribbon Photo Award by Estée Lauder Companies
Background
In France, more than 900,000 people are affected by breast cancer. The most common cancer among women causes more than 12,000 deaths each year.. More than 60,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.
In tribute to Evelyn H. Lauder, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ruban rose Association, which she co-founded, Estée Lauder Companies France launched the first edition of a major international Photography competition in 2012: PINK RIBBON PHOTO AWARD by ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES. This year it becomes the Pink Ribbon Photo Award by Estée Lauder Companies.
The Award's mission is to engage the public in raising awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection, a cause highlighted every year in October with Octobre rose. Estée Lauder Companies is actively involved as a founding member—with Marie Claire magazine—of the Ruban Rose Association. The Ruban Rose has become a globally recognized symbol in the fight against breast cancer.
By exhibiting the award-winning images to a wide audience, the goal is to break down taboos, encourage open conversations about the disease, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty that emerge through adversity.
Thanks to the support of its partners and the dedication of its jury members, the Prize has evolved into a major artistic and social event with an international reach. Rooted in the tradition of humanist photography, the PINK RIBBON PHOTO AWARD by ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES shines a light on often untold stories—unique, powerful, and anything but ordinary—while helping to challenge misconceptions and taboos surrounding breast cancer.
A special edition
For its 15th edition, the Award is changing its name and officially becomes the PINK RIBBON PHOTO AWARD by ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES.
For this anniversary edition, there is no mandatory theme.
Family stories, friendships, love stories, unfiltered portraits, reflections on illness, moving visual narratives, humor, fictional scenarios, documentary photography—all form of Photography is welcome and encouraged. Everyone has their own way of experiencing illness, of seeing it and representing it, throughout their journey. Photographers are invited to take a subjective look at those who live it, subtly telling their unique stories. Since its creation in 2012, the award has inspired young and older photographers alike, while helping many people break out of isolation and rediscover a smile and hope through the eyes of others.
For its 15th edition, the competition is also introducing a new prize structure:
- Jury Grand Prize
- Jury Special Award “Coup de Cœur”
- Téva Audience Award
For its 15th edition, A special anniversary edition, the prize amounts have changed: the Grand Prix du Jury will be awarded 10,000 € (ten thousand euros).
For its 15th edition, the Award is going international. Breast cancer is not solely a French public health issue. Applications are welcome regardless of nationality or country of residence.
How to apply
As a photographer, submit ONE PHOTOGRAPH along with a SHORT WRITTEN TEXT related to the general theme of raising awareness about the fight against breast cancer.
About the photo
Artistic expression is entirely open to interpretation: staged photography, photojournalism, studio work, natural settings, documentary photography, everyday life scenes, color or black-and-white photography, and more.
Please note that this is a photography competition. We kindly ask that you do not submit poster designs, scrapbooks, or similar graphic projects.
The Jury will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria : Style, Artistic expression, Originality, Creativity and depth of reflection, Technical quality, Interpretation, Relevance to breast cancer awareness.
This is a photography award, and entries must therefore be submitted directly by the photographer.
For the text
Every photograph tells a story and carries a message. In a short accompanying text (approximately 200 words), we invite you to share the story behind your image—whether in front of or behind the camera. Tell us about your artistic choices, your inspiration, and how the work relates to breast cancer awareness.
Particular attention will be paid to the quality and thoughtfulness of the written text.
The text may be written by the photographer, the subject(s) of the photograph, or another contributor. Please be sure to indicate the author's name.
The competition is OPEN TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS—professional or amateur, including students enrolled in art or photography schools.
Applications will be accepted until September 10, 2026.
The 2026 finalists will be announced on October 1, 2026, on this website as well as on the dedicated platform for the Téva Audience Award, where public voting will take place from October 1–15, 2026.
Polka Magazine will host an Instagram Carte Blanche featuring a selection of 15 finalist photographs, which will be published on its Instagram account at the end of October.
The three winners—the Jury Grand Prize, Jury Favorite Award, and Téva Audience Award recipients—will be revealed during the Pink Ribbon Photo Award by Estée Lauder Companies 2026 Ceremony, held at the Grand Palais during Paris Photo, a partner of the competition for the ninth consecutive year, from November 12–15, 2026.
Participate from June 20 to September 10, 2026!
