Through the Lens: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winners announced

Co-organiser of the Ocean Photographer of the Year, Blancpain celebrates the power of ocean storytelling through this year's winning images, while also granting the Female Fifty Fathoms Award to Jenny Stock - a reflection of the Maison's ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the beauty and fragility of our blue planet.

Julien Anton, Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winner

French photographer Julien Anton named Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026.

© Photography by Julien Anton, a male seahorse and two juveniles.

French underwater photographer Julien Anton has created a series of work dedicated to highlighting and protecting marine environments. With a background in high-level sport, he brings a disciplined and detail-oriented visual approach that produces refined imagery with impact. His images have been exhibited in France and Australia and have been part of international projects such as collaborations linked to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He is an active proponent of increasing awareness of ocean conservation issues through collaboration with scientific and media organisations.

Blancpain Female Fifty Fathoms Award 2026

Jenny Stock recognised with the Female Fifty Fathoms Award.

© Photography by Jenny Stock, an American Crocodile, in a Cuba.

The recipient of this year’s Female Fifty Fathoms Award is Jenny Stock, a British underwater photographer, wildlife documentary filmmaker, writer and ocean advocate whose work spans the globe. Through her photography, filmmaking and writing, she brings the beauty and wonder of the underwater world to a wide audience while encouraging more women to pursue underwater photography. Having worked extensively in wildlife television, including productions for the BBC and National Geographic, and as a professional diver on film and television projects, Jenny uses storytelling to inspire a deeper connection with the ocean and the need to protect it.

Created by Blancpain in 2021, the Female Fifty Fathoms Award celebrates pioneering and inspirational women in ocean photography. Unlike other competition categories, candidates are nominated by their peers and selected by the Ocean Photographer of the Year judging panel, including renowned ocean photographer Laurent Ballesta, the editorial team at Oceanographic, and a Blancpain delegation led by Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO.

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Reflecting on her nomination and win, Jenny says:“To be nominated by fellow ocean photographers means more to me than I can easily express – this community is everything. The Female Fifty Fathoms Award is particularly special because it celebrates the achievements and passion of women in ocean photography, and the women who have previously won it are exceptionally talented, so it’s a privilege to join their ranks. The connection to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch – diving’s most iconic timepiece – makes it even more extraordinary. I’m honoured beyond measure, and I hope this recognition inspires more women to pick up a camera and discover the magic that’s beneath the surface.”

The Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards

The Ocean Photographer of the Year, presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, has a simple mission: to shine a light on the wonder and fragility of our blue planet, and to celebrate the photographers giving it a voice. The competition is a cornerstone of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment, which unites all the brand’s efforts to protect the ocean. The program is composed of three interconnected pillars:

- Raising awareness of the ocean’s beauty
- Supporting scientific research on ecosystems and underwater phenomena
- Taking concrete conservation actions, such as helping to create marine protected areas around the world.

"The Fifty Fathoms has long played a pioneering role in the history of diving and ocean exploration. Today, through our Ocean Commitment programme and the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition, we proudly continue to support underwater photography as a powerful ally in ocean exploration and conservation, helping to raise awareness, inspire, and drive protection." says Marc A. Hayek, President and CEO of Blancpain.