Capturing a Heartwarming World: Highlights from HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024

On November 27, 2024, the vibrant Shenzhen Sea World Culture and Art Centre buzzed with excitement as it hosted the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024. The theme of the event, "A Heartwarming World," celebrated creativity through the lens of photography, with an impressive gathering of artists, media representatives, winners, and fans all present to witness the unveiling of the award-winning works.

He Gang, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the evolution of mobile photography as a vital means of emotional storytelling. "Congratulations to the winners tonight! Each of you has turned HUAWEI XMAGE into more than a tool to document life; you've transformed it into a bridge for emotional communication between people," he stated.

The XMAGE Awards have been recognizing exceptional talents in mobile imaging since 2017 and have seen participation from over 170 countries and regions. Over the years, the competition has amassed nearly 5 million submissions, now standing as one of the most influential events in mobile imaging worldwide. This year, users from 86 countries submitted an astounding 650,000 entries over a span of 131 days.

Countries like Malaysia, Turkey, the Philippines, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia were notable contributors, illustrating the global passion for mobile photography and showcasing the leading smartphone models used by participants, including the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series and P60 Series.

The awards ceremony acknowledged 66 exceptional works, including three grand prize winners, 18 best-in-category winners, 38 runners-up, and several honorable mentions. These evocative photographs encapsulated the warmth, tranquility, and brightness felt across various cultures, shedding light on the deep emotions and resilience of ordinary people.

Grand Prize Winners Shine Bright

The grand prizes were awarded to three remarkable photographers: Chen Yong from China, Justin Mendoza from the Philippines, and Kinga Choińska from Poland. Each winner received a generous $10,000 from the Huawei Creation Fund. They captivated the audience with their imaginative representations of life's poignant moments—each photograph telling a unique story that resonates deeply with viewers. Chen Xiaobo, Vice President of the China Photographers Association, highlighted the powerful visual narratives behind the entries, calling for each photo to reflect a personal dialogue with the world.

International judges praised the finalists for their creativity and storytelling ability. One such commentary quipped about a photograph of a girl climbing a ladder, symbolizing strength and vitality—a reminder for everyone to harness their potential to better the world around them. Other judges appreciated images that posed thought-provoking questions, merging humor with a sense of scale, inviting viewers to ponder their interpretations.

Exhibition Showcases Diverse Perspectives

An impressive collection of over 300 works was showcased at the exhibition, carefully curated into seven thematic sections such as "Moments," "Faces," and "Hello Life." This comprehensive exhibition allowed art enthusiasts to engage with the winning pieces closely and experience the rich stories behind each image. The event ran from November 27th to 30th, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in this visual feast.

Chen Xiaobo animates this essence by stating, "Mobile imaging is not just about documenting daily life; it is about deeper observations and philosophical reflections. Each photo becomes part of an intimate dialogue with the world."

HUAWEI XMAGE's Commitment to Photography Culture

Over the years, Huawei has consistently organized global photography tours, published mobile photography trend reports, and facilitated community-based activities to support the growth of mobile photography culture. The Huawei XMAGE Awards platform serves as a space where profound interactions between consumers and creators can flourish, transcending geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers. It nurtures human connections and radiates heartwarming emotions across the globe through photography.

For those who wish to dive deeper into the incredible talent showcased during the event, the complete list of award-winning works can be found on the official HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024 website. This platform continues to foster a global community where photography not only captures moments but creates lasting connections.