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Liam Gallagher of Oasis with his eyes shaded by the peak of his hat, with a smile-shaped tambourine in his mouth
Music

Charli XCX and Liam Gallagher Lead Epic Abbey Road Music Photography Awards Shortlist

Abbey Road Studios has revealed its latest nominees, capturing iconic moments from Liam Gallagher's onstage smirk to Charli XCX closing out her Brat era.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

Music history is getting its ultimate close-up. Legendary London recording hub Abbey Road Studios has officially revealed the shortlist for its annual Music Photography Awards, celebrating the most jaw-dropping concert snaps, candid backstage captures, and defining pop-culture moments of the past year. Leading the pack of celebrated images are defining shots featuring major global hitmakers. Pop starlet Charli XCX makes a memorable appearance in the nominations with a striking visual that marks the dramatic conclusion of her viral *Brat* album era. Meanwhile, another standout contender captures Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher in his classic element, flashing a cheeky smirk while holding a tambourine on stage.

Who is nominated for the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards?

Liam Gallagher of Oasis with his eyes shaded by the peak of his hat, with a smile-shaped tambourine in his mouth
Liam Gallagher of Oasis with his eyes shaded by the peak of his hat, with a smile-shaped tambourine in his mouth

The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards honor the creative visual artists behind the lens—photographers who brave chaotic festival crowds and massive stadium stages to capture live performance history as it unfolds. The newly released shortlist showcases a wide array of imagery, ranging from international arena tours to intimate underground gig venues. According to reports from event organizers, the prestige competition recognizes both veteran concert photographers and emerging visual talent across several specialized categories. An expert panel of judges evaluated thousands of global entries to curate the final selection, prioritizing photos that convey intense emotion, artistic flair, and cultural resonance.

Charli XCX performing on stage at Glastonbury Festival 2025 in front of a firey backdrop and beneath a sign bearing the name of her biggest album, Brat
Image caption, Jack Oliver's snapshot of Charli XCX burning down the Brat flag at Glastonbury Festival, to signal the end of an era, is also up for best music mome

Why are Charli XCX and Liam Gallagher featured in the shortlist?

A man in a classic light blue Oasis t-shirt (centre) surveys the scene as all hell breaks loose around him during one of the band's reunion concerts
A man in a classic light blue Oasis t-shirt (centre) surveys the scene as all hell breaks loose around him during one of the band's reunion concerts

Both Charli XCX and Liam Gallagher generated huge cultural noise over the past twelve months, turning their nominated concert portraits into instant music landmarks. Charli XCX redefined pop aesthetics with her neon-tinted summer wave and high-energy live sets, making her stage moments some of the most widely documented images of the year. On the rock side, Liam Gallagher remains a dream subject for live music photographers. His swaggering stage presence, trademark microphone stance, and the massive buzz surrounding the Oasis reunion have ensured his live performances remain pure camera gold. The final winners will be formally crowned at an upcoming red-carpet ceremony hosted at Abbey Road Studios in London. Fans and photography enthusiasts can explore the full nominee gallery through Abbey Road's official platform as anticipation builds for the main event.

The photos · 6

Liam Gallagher of Oasis with his eyes shaded by the peak of his hat, with a smile-shaped tambourine in his mouth
Image caption, Jack Oliver's snapshot of Charli XCX burning down the Brat flag at Glastonbury Festival, to signal the end of an era, is also up for best music mome
A man in a classic light blue Oasis t-shirt (centre) surveys the scene as all hell breaks loose around him during one of the band's reunion concerts
Liam and Noel (left) Gallagher enjoy a moment on stage together during their best-selling reunion tour
The New York band Geese pictured backstage. Black and white image.
The OGM from New York rap duo HO99O9, grinning while showing off his grills

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People also ask

What are the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards?
The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards are an annual competition hosted by Abbey Road Studios to honor the best concert, backstage, and portrait photography in the global music industry.
Which celebrities are featured in the Abbey Road photo awards shortlist?
The shortlist highlights major stars including pop hitmaker Charli XCX and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.