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HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024 Ceremony: A Celebration of Emotional Connections Through Photography

On November 27, 2024, the Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shenzhen buzzed with excitement as the annual HUAWEI XMAGE Awards took center stage. This prestigious event celebrated the incredible power of photography to convey stories and emotions, attracting artists, media representatives, winners, creators, and photography enthusiasts from around the globe.

In his opening speech, He Gang, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, expressed heartfelt congratulations to the winners and paid tribute to the creative spirit of mobile photography. "This evening is not just about winners; it's a testament to how photography can transcend mere documentation of life to become a powerful medium for human connection," he stated.

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards have a rich history, having been celebrated annually since 2017, with participation from users across more than 170 countries and regions. Since its inception, nearly 5 million entries have highlighted the global impact of this contest. This year's awards received submissions from 86 countries, resulting in over 650,000 entries over 131 days of passionate competition. Notably, Malaysia, Turkey, the Philippines, UAE, and Saudi Arabia were among the countries contributing a large number of submissions.

Winners were announced across various categories, with 66 exceptional works recognized. This included three Grand Prizes, 18 Category Winners, 38 Special Commendations, and several other distinctions related to both series Pura and Mate. These awarded photographs not only captured stunning visuals but also conveyed warmth, stillness, and a luminous spirit that resonates with the human experience.

Prominent international judges praised the winners, including Chen Yong from China, Justin Mendoza from the Philippines, and Kinga Choińska from Poland, who each walked away with a $10,000 cash prize from Huawei's Creation Fund. Their works radiated a unique blend of imagination and heartfelt storytelling, enchanting audiences around the world.

The ceremony featured remarks from judges who lauded the depth and creativity of the award-winning pieces. One judge remarked on a particular photograph, calling attention to its thematic elements of strength and vitality, portraying a girl ascending a staircase akin to a bird taking flight, capturing the essence of human struggles and triumphs.

The exhibition accompanying the awards showcased over 300 stunning works, thoughtfully arranged into seven thematic sections. Titled to evoke curiosity and engagement, sections like "Moments," "Faces," and "Hello Life" provided visitors with immersive insights into the captivating world of photography. Attendees had the opportunity to personally experience the emotions and narratives encapsulated within each frame.

According to Chen Xiaobo, Vice President of the Photographers Association of China, mobile photography should go beyond merely documenting daily events. It requires profound observations and personal reflections. Each photograph is an intimate dialogue between the photographer and the world, inviting viewers to partake in that exchange.

Through the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards, Huawei continues to foster a global dialogue around mobile photography, breaking down barriers across culture and language. Their ongoing initiatives include world photography tours, trend reports on mobile photography, community activities, and educational workshops for aspiring photographers. This commitment to engagement signals Huawei's dedication to nurturing a vibrant culture around mobile photography.

In conclusion, the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards not only celebrate outstanding photography but also foster emotional connections among people through the universal language of visuals. For those interested in viewing the complete list of award-winning works, further details are available on the official HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024 website.