2024 Single Category Winners
General News
Judges’ comments: This photo has an eerie feeling to it. We kept going back to this image. A kid trying to sweep up a pool with a thousand-yard stare. Nicely done.
First Place: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times
TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA - Colin McGorty-Weir, 15, has been helping his family clear out their backyard pool which is still full of mud and a “catio,” which got torn off the house during the monsoonal storm on August 1, 2024 in Twentynine Palms, California. Many residents who were hit with severe flooding don’t live in a flood zone so they don’t have flood insurance and are facing the prospect of recovering without and help from their insurance companies and little government support.
Second Place: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News
Pro-Palestinian Pasadena City College students walk out of class in solidarity with GAZA and the nationwide student movement in Pasadena on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Third Place: Allison Dinner, European Pressphoto Agency
People participate in a prayer before former US President and Republican Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump speaks during a campaign event at Lee’s family Forum in Henderson, Nevada, USA, October 31, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Eric Thayer, Independent Still
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: People attend a Republican election night watch party in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Daniel Dreifuss, Monterey County Weekly
Nala Espinoza(left), 22, of Cohasset and Linda Forrester hug each other during a community meeting at Cedar Grove Park in Chico, CA on July 28, 2024.
Award of Excellence: David Swanson, Independent Still
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, leaves federal court in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 5, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Ringo Chiu, Independent Still
A girl holds a candlelight during a vigil on anniversary of 2023 mass shooting, Sunday January 21, 2024 in Monterey Park, California. On the one-year anniversary of the Monterey Park mass shooting that left 11 people dead, the city held a candlelight vigil to remember the victims as calls persist for stricter gun laws.
Award of Excellence: Thomas Cordova, Long Beach Post
Kathryn Renesto cradles her granddaughter Ocean as Amanda Lourenco holds a sign for her missing niece, Ruthey Smith, during a press conference in Long Beach on Friday, December 27, 2024. Today marks Ruthey Smith’s birthday; she went missing on March 3, 2022.
Feature
Judges’ comments: First Place: This is such a sweet moment captured. Her smile. Her foot raised up onto her toes. His face nuzzled up to her cheek and both of his arms wrapped around her waist. They both have striped socks. They had no idea that a photo was being taken. Nicely done.
First Place: Cristina Salvador Klenz, Independent Still
A couple embraces and finds happiness in an area of Anaheim Street in Long Beach, California, that has many unhoused people living in the area. Although Long Beach has experienced a decrease in homelessness since 2023, there are 3,376 unhoused individuals living in the city; 49 percent of them are chronically homeless. Nationwide, drug and alcohol overdoses are the primary causes of death in the homeless population.
Second Place: Genaro Molina, Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27, 2024 - - A homeless woman washes up at a fire hydrant near her encampment, off camera, along S. Lemon Street in downtown Los Angeles on February 27, 2024. The 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count revealed a 9% year-over-year increase in homelessness in Los Angeles County and a 10% rise in Los Angeles. The data showed 75,518 people experienced homelessness in Los Angeles County, and 46,260 in Los Angeles.
Third Place: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times
AMBOY, CA - Amboy has long served weary travelers — first as a railroad station, and later as a roadside attraction that’s especially popular with people touring the Mother Road, Route 66. But this slice of Americana has been beset by a series of crises that stretch back more than half a century. Smack in the middle of a windswept corner of the Mojave that looks like Mars, its permanent population is now zero. Its infrastructure: a smattering of vacant houses and empty outbuildings; a shuttered post office, a church with no congregants and a school with no students. Roy’s is the only operational business. And the only operational portion of that is the store, stocked with cold drinks, snacks and souvenirs, and the gas station — three mechanical pumps that require an attendant to dispense fuel, which was recently priced at $6.49 for a gallon of regular. The new owner inherited the town from his father last year and is hoping to fulfill his father’s legacy and turn the place around.
Joan and Kirk Bullard sit under the awning of the Roy’s gas station and cafe on May 24, 2024 in Amboy, California.
Award of Excellence: Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times
Valley Center, CA, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Manuel Aquino totes a satchel full of avocados at ACA Farms. Domestic avocado farms have faced hard times from farms in Mexico controlled by drug cartels.
Award of Excellence: Yannick Peterhans, Independent Still
Valley Center, CA, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Manuel Aquino totes a satchel full of avocados at ACA Farms. Domestic avocado farms have faced hard times from farms in Mexico controlled by drug cartels.
Award of Excellence: Thomas CordovA, Long Beach Post
Kawanzaa Hutson hugs her son, Jeremiah Neal, 7, as they make the most of their time waiting in line to register for the 4th Annual Skate Turn Up & Shoe Giveaway at Lincoln Park in Long Beach on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Hundreds of kids and families received free skateboards, shoes, haircuts, skate gear, and other resources on Saturday at Lincoln Park in Downtown Long Beach. The local nonprofit Dreamz Into Goals, also known as DIG LIFE, organizes the annual giveaway in collaboration with other community organizations to guide youth toward educational and career success, steering them away from activities that could lead to violence.
Portrait
Judges’ Comments: The small smile on this man’s face, the lighting, and the body language make this a winner. We kept going back and forth with the first-third places and this one rose to first place.
First Place: Cristina Salvador Klenz, Independent Still
A native of Long Beach, California, Albert is a 38-year-old Romani-American man and part of the conservative Machvaya nation whose traditions date back more than a thousand years ago to their native India. The Machvaya spent considerable time enslaved in Romania and as part of the militia in Serbia before immigrating to the United States in the mid-1800s. Albert is a descendant of a proud and upstanding Romani family that is well know in California. Like many American minorities, some Romani families are experiencing severe economic hardship while other individuals struggle with homelessness. Albert has been living on and off the streets since the death of his mother many years ago. He is currently living in his car.
Second Place: Dana Rene White, Independent Still
An Ecuadorian women from Latacunga waits at a bus stop with her daughter strapped to her back. Latacunga means "God of lagoons", known for its agriculture and cool temperatures. Most residents are farmers, agriculturalist and floriculturalist.
Third Place: Amy Gaskin, Independent Still
“You’ll be surprised how many Black women love Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn was one of the first people to help Ella Fitzgerald get a performing job and Marilyn promised to show up every night. She really loved African Americans and didn’t discriminate at all. I love that she used her privilege for something good.
Marilyn gives me the strength to be who I am. She has given me strength at my lowest points. Be true to yourself. Don’t fake it. Do it for yourself, not anybody else.” S. Monroe - aka “The Black Marilyn” on Saturday, Oct. 16.
Award of Excellence: Terry Pierson, The Press Enterprise
Centennial junior outside linebacker Jonathan McKinley II has been chosen the IE Varsity Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 football season in Corona on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Terry Pierson, The Press Enterprise
Romani American sisters Enna and Nova Adams, 10, of Fontana are from the Machvaya nation whose traditions date back more than a thousand years ago to their native India. The Machvaya spent considerable time enslaved in Romania and as part of the militia in Serbia before immigrating to the United States in the mid-1800s.
Award of Excellence: Cristina Salvador Klenz, Independent Still
A Klamath Hotshot finishes his shift as the Borel Fire grows near Lake Isabella, California, U.S. July 29, 2024.
Award of Excellence: David Swanson, Independent Still
A Klamath Hotshot finishes his shift as the Borel Fire grows near Lake Isabella, California, U.S. July 29, 2024.
Pictorial
Judges’ Comments: We loved the feeling of movement in this photo. The placement of the person walking and the reflections in the glass. I could easily look at this photo and find something new each time.
First Place: GENARO MOLINA, LOS ANGELES TIMES
TEMPLE CITY, CA - DECEMBER 6, 2024 - - A pedestrian’s reflection is caught in the storefront window of Kang Kang Food Court along E. Las Tunas Dr. in Temple City on December 6, 2024.
Second Place: Cristina Salvador Klenz, Independent Still
A hot day in August sets the scene for a busy street in Zurich, Switzerland, filled with tourists waiting for a tram and passersby on bicycles. August is traditionally a month where many Europeans take vacations. The European Union guarantees every worker four weeks of paid vacation.
Third Place: David Swanson, Independent Still
Throngs of tourists visit Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park over the holiday weekend Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. / Badwater basin has filled from Huricane Hilary and recent rains in California. It is the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Award of Excellence: Jeff Gritchen, OraNGE COUNTY Register
A decomposing grey whale sits in the Bolsa Chica tidal inlet in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, February 9, 2024. The 30-foot juvenile whale was likely washed ashore by the storms.
Award of Excellence: Michael Goulding, Independent Still
The last full moon of 2024 is seen through two Christmas lights in Seal Beach, California on November 14, 2024.
Award of Excellence: ROBERT GAUTHIER, LOS ANGELES TIMES
Colstrip, Montana, Monday, December 4, 2024 - A lone tumbleweed blows through piles of coal. The Colstrip coal mine delivers power to Washington State and faces a possible shutdown or reduction of capacity, putting in doubt the future of a century old community that has thrived on it’s existence.
Award of Excellence: Genaro Molina Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30, 2024 - - Ester De Sa Almeida is immersed in the “Invisible Ballet” exhibit created by Mauro Pace at the Balloon Museum’s, "Let's Fly Los Angeles” show at the Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles on October 30, 2024. The museum consists of interactive installations and artworks created by 18 internationally renowned artists and is open until March 16, 2025.
Spot News
Judges’ Comments: The pure grief in this photo made us all go back to it several times. The photographer gets down to the level of the person in the photo, and it makes you feel like you are there. Makes your heart hurt.
First Place: Sarah Reingewirtz, LOS ANGELES Daily News
A man weeps as Los Angeles City firefighters try to save his burning home behind him on Toluca Lake Avenue in Toluca Lake on Monday, August 19, 2024.
Second Place: Thomas Cordova, Long Beach Post
A woman finds solace in her brother’s embrace at the crime scene after their mother was murdered by her boyfriend in Long Beach on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Police reported that a suspected gunman, who triggered an hours-long standoff following a double homicide near DeForest Park, was discovered dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The standoff began shortly after 11:15 a.m., when police received a report of a suspect who shot a woman in the 300 block of 63rd Street. She was rescued and transported to a local hospital, where she later died, according to police. At the scene, officers also extracted a man who seemed to be critically injured from a nearby pickup truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Third Place: David Swanson, Independent Still
A counter protester with a the flag of Israel is bloodied as Pro-Palestinian and counter Jewish supporters clash in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 23 2024.
Award of Excellence: Ringo Chiu, Independent Still
Demonstrators crash with police office during a protest in support of Palestinians near the Dolby Theatre during the 96th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on March 10, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Ringo Chiu, Independent Still
A resident walks by a home is damaged by a storm near Caribou Ln during a rainstorm at Hollywood Hills on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Award of Excellence: Patrick Fallon, Agency France Presse
A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a flower in front of police officers as they clear an encampment after students occupied the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall at the University of California, Irvine, in Irvine, California on May 15, 2025.
Music & Performing Arts
Judges’ Comments: What a nice candid moment behind the scenes. I imagine that most of these events are red carpet and posed. This is a nice moment not choreographed.
First Place: ROBERT GAUTHIER, LOS ANGELES TIMES
Hollywood, CA - March 10: Emma Stone celebrates back stage with Sally Field after winning the Oscar for Best Actress at the the 96th Annual Academy Awards in Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, CA.
Second Place: Ringo Chiu, Independent Still
Members of Maldita Vecindad perform at Shrine Auditorium, Shrine Expo Hall on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA.
Third Place: Allison Dinner, European Pressphoto Agency
The cast and crew of the 'The Bear' react with a kiss after winning the best comedy series during the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, USA, January 15, 2024. The Primetime Emmys celebrate excellence in national primetime television programming.
Award of Excellence: Brandon Richardson, Long Beach Watch Dog
Drag queen Megami performs at Hamburger Mary's in Downtown Long Beach Wednesday, May 16, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, September, 15, 2024 - Actors from Rue Paul’s Drag Race pose for selfies at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards show at Peacock Theater.
Award of Excellence: Patrick Fallon: Agence France-Presse
US actor John Cena presents the award for Best Costume Design onstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 10, 2024.
Sports Features
Judges’ Comments: The excitement on their faces made this a sure pick for first place sports feature.
First Place: Mark Terrill, Associated Press
Ezinne Kalu (23), and Promise Amukamara (10), of Nigeria, celebrate in a women's basketball game against Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France.
Second Place: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELS, CA - Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts cast a long shadow as he walks to his position in right field in the first inning against the New York Mets in Game 1 of the NLDS at Dodgers Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Third Place: Robert Gauthier, Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, CA, Friday October 26, 2024 - Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates after homering against New York Yankees starter Carlos Rodon in Game two of the World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Award of Excellence: William Liang, Independent Still
Long Island University outside hitter Gio Collazo (4), center, reacts before an NCAA college volleyball match against Long Beach State, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif.
Award of Excellence: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star News
Freddie Freeman (5) of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts holding his bat up high after hitting a walk off grand slam in the tenth inning to defeat the New York Yankees 6-3 and win Game 1 of a World Series baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Paul Rodriguez, Independent Still
The University of California, Irvine women’s basketball team react in Irvine on Sunday, March 17, 2024 as they hear that they will be playing Gonzaga University in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Award of Excellence: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star News
Mater Dei celebrates after defeating Sierra Canyon in 3 straight to win the CIF-SS Division I girls championship volleyball match at Cerritos College in Norwalk on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: David Swanson, Independent Still
A surfer catches a wave after a massive juvenile fin whale died on shore in Torrance, California, U.S. August 11, 2024. / The fin whale is the second largest whale second to the blue whale.
Sports Action
Judges’ Comments: This category was hard to narrow down. This photo became the first with the peak action of leaping over the opponents and the football player’s hand just barely holding onto the ball; nicely done.
First Place: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star NEWS
Quarterback Riley Leonard of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dives over cornerback Jacobe Covington #14 and Vance Jr., Greedy #21 of the USC Trojans for the first down in the first half of a NCAA football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Second Place: Mark Terrill, Associated Press
Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger, top, breaks his bat as he hits a single as Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe watches during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 12, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif.
Third Place: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News
Jordan Chilies of the United States competes on the balance beam during the gymnastics team competition in Barcy Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. United States won the gold medal.
Award of Excellence: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES, CA - Dodgers left fielder Miguel Vargas, left, collides with Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages forcing Pages to drop the ball on a triple hit by Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Award of Excellence: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, INDEPENDENT STILL
Jun 2, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first after a getting Colorado Rockies outfielder Hunter Goodman (15) out at second in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Award of Excellence: Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News
Hina Hayata of Japan eyes the ball as she competes against Yingsha Sun of China during a semifinal table tennis at the South Paris Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Friday, August 2, 2024. Yingsha Sun of China defeated Hina Hayata of Japan. 11-6,11-8, 11-8, 11-2.
Award of Excellence: William Liang, Independent Still
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is fouled by Phoenix Suns players while going up for a layup during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Palm Desert, Calif.
Award of Excellence: Paul Rodriguez, Independent Still
Villa Park High School free safety Nate Lewis, right, breaks up a pass intended for Yorba Linda High School Troy Roberts in a Bravo League football game in Yorba Linda, California on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Award of Excellence: Mark Terrill, Associated Press
Elise Mertens, of Belgium, serves against Naomi Osaka, of Japan, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Monday, March 11, 2024, in Indian Wells, Calif.
Animal
Judges’ Comments: The first-place winner made us all laugh and the more you look, the more animals you see. There is one in his shirt. We really loved this category.
First Place: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News
Carrying his own dog Mimi on his shoulders, dog trainer Taky Cheung, of Pasadena, walks along Hollywood Boulevard with clients’ dogs on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Second Place: Mindy Schauer, ORANGE COUNTY Register
Lulu and her owner, Cynthia “the dog lady,” Lopez, perform a duet during the Silverado Days Mutt Show in Buena Park on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Third Place: Ringo Chiu, Independent Still
On August 14, 2024, at California State University, Northridge, I noticed a squirrel near my laptop. Offering it nuts, I had the idea to stage a playful shot.
I placed nuts on the keyboard, and the squirrel climbed up to eat. I captured the moment, including a perfect shot of it curiously inspecting the screen.
Award of Excellence: Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News
Madison O’Donnell cuddles with her dog Zoe as Pheloneigh watches on Esteban Drive on Thursday, November 7, 2024 in the Camarillo hills. O’Donnell’s father tried to save their home from the Mountain fire but the hose dried up and he escaped with two of their three dogs. O’Donnell is still looking for her third dog.
Award of Excellence: Mindy Schauer, ORANGE COUNTY Register
LOw riders — Rachelle Covarrubi’s dog, Capri, poses by Frank Gonzales’ 1961 Chevy Impala convertable during the Impalas Car Club OC Toys for Tots Drive in Anaheim on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Covarrubi also had her 1965 Impala on display at the event.
Award of Excellence: Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register
Iza, a French bulldog, leaps from her board during dog surfing at the Purina Pup Challenge at Huntington State Beach in Huntington Beach, CA, on Friday, June 21, 2024.
FIRE
Judges’ Comments: The first-place winner looked like it was out of a movie set. Beautiful and tragic.
First Place: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times
The year 2024 was another bad 12 months for wildfires in California. Climate change has contributed to the frequency and duration of these fires. Drought conditions combined with Santa Ana wind conditions fuel the blazes. By the end of July, 726,00 acres burned. That is five times the average for that part of the summer. In one week in September, three major wildfires scorched 117,500 acres and burned 234 structures. Wildfires in California are no longer seasonal. They are year-round.
AGUANGA, CA - The plume from the Nixon fire burns over Beauty Mountain and has left 4,500 acres of burned landscape in its path on July 30, 2024 in Aguanga, California.
Second Place: Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise
A women stands in her home as the Macy Fire races up the hills behind her home on Lake Ridge Road in Lake Elsinore on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Third Place: Eric Thayer, Independent Still
A car drives through the Pepperdine Campus during the Franklin Fire in Malibu, CA.
Award of Excellence: Jeff Gritchen, ORANGE COUNTY Register
Burned cars destroyed during the Airport Fire sit next to Ortega Highway in El Cariso, CA, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Award of Excellence: David Swanson, Independent Still
The LAFD and other fire personnel respond to the Post Fire burns through Hungry Valley SRVA State Park in Lebec California, U.S., June 16 2024.
Award of Excellence: Eric Thayer, Independent Still
A man walks down Malibu Canyon Road during the Franklin Fire.
Award of Excellence: Ringo Chiu, Independent Still
Firefighters battle the Franklin Fire in Malibu, California, U.S., December 10, 2024.
UCLA Sport
Judges’ Comments: This photo, out of all of the entries, showed the best peak action that stood out from the other entries. Nice work on capturing this leap in sharp focus.
First Place: KEITH BIRMINGHAM, PASADENA STAR NEWS
Running back Keegan Jones #22 of the UCLA Bruins leaps over defensive back Jermari Harris #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes for yardage in the first half of a NCAA Football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, November 8, 2024.