The Saltzman-Leibovitz Photography Prize—founded by acclaimed photographer and philanthropist Lisa Saltzman in collaboration with legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz— announced its first-ever recipient: 21-year-old French photographer Zélie Hallosserie.
"Zélie’s work stands out for its emotional sincerity and commitment to humanizing complex social issues," says Lisa Saltzman. "She exemplifies the spirit of this prize—compassionate, courageous, and deeply engaged."
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Currently completing her final year of photography studies in Belgium, Hallosserie is recognized for her powerful documentary work focusing on migration and exile in northern France. Her ongoing project, The Game, documents the lives of migrants in Calais—many from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Eritrea—who face immense dangers attempting to cross the English Channel. Since January 2024, at least 72 people have died during these perilous crossings.
Since 2022, Hallosserie has been working closely with a local shelter in Calais, offering photography workshops to migrants and forming meaningful relationships that inform her practice. Her empathetic work challenges reductive narratives in mainstream media, aiming to restore humanity and individuality to those too often dehumanized.
"Photography allows me to defend causes close to my heart, form real connections, and constantly question my own viewpoint," says Hallosserie. "I didn’t expect this recognition, but I’m incredibly grateful for the platform it gives to this work."
Selected by a jury including Drew Sawyer (Whitney Museum), Isolde Brielmaier (curator and scholar), Kira Pollack (freelance photo editor), and Raul Martinez (Condé Nast), Hallosserie’s work was praised for its emotional depth, narrative clarity, and social impact.
The Saltzman-Leibovitz Prize awards $20,000 in total, with Hallosserie receiving the top prize of $10,000. Other shortlisted photographers include Elena Kalinichenko (Ukraine), Ka’Vozia Glynn (USA), Praise Hassan (Nigeria), Toma Hurduc (Romania), and Trâm Nguyễn Quang (Netherlands)—all participants in Annie Leibovitz’s mentorship program as part of her role as IKEA’s first Artist in Residence.
Hallosserie will continue developing The Game, expanding it with portraits, interviews, archival materials, and objects belonging to migrants, alongside testimony from local leaders, lawyers, and rescue workers.
The shortlisted projects will be exhibited at Photo London, taking place from 15–18 May 2025.
