Storyteller Awards
The winners of the 2026 Storyteller Awards are here!
Join us in celebrating the brands and creators behind the most memorable visual stories.
2026 Storyteller Awards Winners
Best Social Media Campaign
Wisconsin Athletics
2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament
Wisconsin men’s hockey hadn’t won a title since 2006, so when this year’s team caught fire in the tournament, the social team built a “Cinderella story” around authentic moments and real fan access. The campaign generated over 29 million views, 1.21 million interactions, and 10k+ new followers, even after falling just short of the title.
Learn more and check out the finalists here.
Best Community Engagement
Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital
ETCH Rebrand
When East Tennessee Children’s Hospital announced it would become Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, the launch of the rebrand became a community-wide moment, anchored by an announcement video with Dolly herself. The result: a national exclusive on the TODAY Show, over 3,000 media stories, and 10.5 billion impressions turning a name change into a memorable start of a brand new chapter for their community.
Learn more and check out the finalists here.
AI for Efficiency
Atlanta Braves
Vote Braves 1776 Campaign
For the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia, the Braves used AI to turn player photos into oil paintings straight out of 1776, giving them the full Founding Father treatment. The portraits showed up everywhere, from the ballpark to Atlanta’s High Museum to fan giveaways, all created quickly and efficiently with AI.
Learn more and check out the finalists here.
Sports Storyteller of the Year
Josh Lavallee
The Carolina Hurricanes creative team
Josh shot every single playoff game with the Carolina Hurricanes, rigging up to seven remote cameras per game, and reaching a scale unmatched by any team in hockey. The creative team documented Carolina’s 16-3 run, leading to the Canes’ first Stanley Cup in 20 years and creating images the franchise will look back on for years to come.
Learn more and check out the finalists here.
Higher Ed Storyteller of the Year
UT Knoxville Turfgrass Experts
UTK x FIFA World Cup 26 Research
When FIFA needed research to make 16 World Cup pitches play the same across three countries and four climate zones, they turned to UT Knoxville’s turfgrass experts. Their team told the story through a dedicated microsite that earned coverage from the New York Times, BBC, and the Wall Street Journal, skyrocketing UT pride and bringing real recognition for the university to the world stage.
Learn more and check out the finalists here.
Meet the judges
FAQ
How was each entry evaluated?
All submissions were evaluated based on creativity, execution, innovation, impact, and adherence to the spirit of the Storyteller Awards.
What is the prize for the winners?
Each category winner receives:
- Digital badge: Add the badge to your website, email signatures, social media, and more.
- Editorial coverage: Winners will be recognized on PhotoShelter’s blog, social channels, and in our newsletter, reaching more than 43,000 subscribers.
- Esteemed recognition: Acknowledgement of your accomplishments from your outstanding work!
How do I get involved next time?
Make sure you’re subscribed to our emails, and we’ll notify you when nominations open for the next Storyteller Awards!
Who are Storytellers?
Storytellers are industry leaders, creatives, marketers, photographers, and more who bring brands and visual stories to life.