Legendary photographer Josef Koudelka to be honored at BSPF
Legendary photographer Josef Koudelka to be honored at BSPF
This year, we’re pulling out all the stops for our 10th anniversary—and you’re invited to be part of it! BSPF is thrilled to announce that Josef Koudelka, the legendary photographer and member of Magnum Photos, will be the guest of honor at a special event on May 30, 2026 at Brussels City Hall. Koudelka will receive the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extraordinary career and his profound impact on the world of photography. The ceremony will be followed by a public discussion and projection of the photographer’s work, as well as the announcement of this year’s competition winners of our open call.
About Josef Koudelka
Josef Koudelka (°1938) is a Czech-French photographer and a master of black-and-white street and documentary photography. He first worked as an aeronautical engineer before fully dedicating himself to photography in the late 1960s. His work explores themes of alienation, resilience, and the human condition, capturing moments that reveal both the fragility and strength of people and places. Koudelka’s iconic photographs of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Prague, published anonymously under the initials “P.P.” (Prague Photographer), earned him the prestigious Robert Capa Gold Medal for photographs requiring exceptional courage. His series Gypsies, Exiles, and Ruins are celebrated for their striking composition, emotional depth and deep humanity.
Koudelka’s photographs have been exhibited at some of the world’s most renowned institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Hayward Gallery in London, and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. His influence on photography is immeasurable, and his awards—including the Prix Nadar, the Grand Prix Henri Cartier-Bresson, and the Hasselblad Foundation International Award—speak to his enduring legacy.
Sigrid Debusschere, Director of BSPF, shares her enthusiasm: “Hosting Josef Koudelka at BSPF is a rare privilege. His work has inspired generations of photographers, and his presence at our festival is a celebration of everything documentary and street photography stands for—authenticity, storytelling, and the power of the human experience. We are honored to welcome him to Brussels and share this special evening with our community.”
Event details
- Date & Time: May 30, 2026, 20:00 – 21:30
- Location: Brussels City Hall
- Attendance: Limited to 200 participants. Registration is not required, but make sure to be on time to secure your spot.
This event is open to all: photographers, art enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the power of visual storytelling. Join us for an evening honoring Josef Koudelka’s remarkable career and the art of photography.
