Leica Removes Russian Photographer Valery Melnikov from Oskar Barnack Award Shortlist
Leica has excluded Valery Melnikov, a Russian photographer, from the shortlist for the 2026 Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), a highly esteemed global photography accolade. Melnikov was among 12 finalists for the 46th LOBA with his series 'Mariupol: Open Wounds,' which portrays the effects of Russia's extensive invasion on Mariupol. Critics, such as Ukrainian photographer Serhii Korovainyi, criticized his nomination, claiming it overlooks Russia's role in the city's devastation. The Kyiv Independent labeled Melnikov a 'Kremlin media-linked photographer' due to his ties with Russian state media, including Rossiya Segodnya since 2009. Following his removal, Melnikov expressed his dissatisfaction on Instagram, emphasizing that his work serves ordinary people and history, not state interests.
Key facts
- Leica removed Valery Melnikov from the 2026 Leica Oskar Barnack Award shortlist.
- Melnikov was one of 12 finalists for the 46th LOBA.
- His series 'Mariupol: Open Wounds' documents the impact of Russia's invasion on Mariupol.
- Critics, including Ukrainian photographer Serhii Korovainyi, condemned the inclusion.
- The Kyiv Independent called Melnikov a 'Kremlin media-linked photographer'.
- Melnikov has worked for Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today) since 2009.
- Leica cited his links to RIA Novosti, a news agency operated by Rossiya Segodnya.
- Melnikov expressed displeasure on Instagram, stating his work is for ordinary people and history.
Entities
Artists
- Valery Melnikov
- Serhii Korovainyi
- Dmytro Kyyan
Institutions
- Leica
- Leica Oskar Barnack Award
- Rossiya Segodnya
- RIA Novosti
- The Kyiv Independent
Locations
- Mariupol
- Ukraine
- Russia