Judges for the Catholic Media Association conferred CNEWA with 53 media awards for ONE magazine and the agency website, including more than eight “bests” for categories such as its website, blog, coverage and photos.
Below is a complete list of CNEWA’s awards, as well as several award-winning photographs and select comments by the panel of judges who assessed this year’s nominations.
Congratulations to all our contributors.
HEAVY HITTERS
story by Les Beley, photos and video by Konstantin Chernichkin, layout by Paul Grillo
First: Best Feature Article
First: Best Multiple Picture Package, feature
This piece offers a fresh vantage on one of the world’s top stories. Insightful and well-researched, it maintains strong momentum with excellent reporting and writing that weaves many individual tales into one. It begins with a sociological portrait of a group, then brings it to life through vivid personal stories. Above all, it’s inspiring — a small generation, tested by constant tragedy, yet refusing to be lost.
First: Best Photograph, vocations, “In Defense of the Soul”
The lighting is amazing and truly sets the mood, while the entire photo piques my curiosity — I want to know more. It’s very well done, with the subject matter captured effectively. This photo is strong and compelling.
Second: Best Layout of Article or Column
Second: Best Photograph, general news, “In Defense of the Soul”
Second: Best Photograph, Immigration/Migration, “Welcoming the Displaced”
Third: Best Photograph, feature, “Wartime Wedding”
The photographer demonstrates the soft skill of executing a strong idea through visual storytelling. The low lighting of the church is challenging, but the photographer handles this well. The composition uses balance as the strongest design principle. Balance conveys a sense of stability and in this image the visual elements are placed carefully with the focus on the couple, with the cross as an important visual cue.
Third: Best Photograph, portrait, “In Defense of the Soul”
This is a wonderful photograph with beautiful lighting. It makes me want to know more about what’s happening. The project conveys a great mood — it’s very intriguing.
story by Laure Delacloche, photos and video by Raghida Skaff
The personal stories truly make all the difference here, bringing everything to life one person at a time. While the photos are riveting and the videos are well produced, it’s the writing that holds the entire piece together. There is enough depth and richness in the content to inspire both a documentary and a book. It is moving, enlightening and marked by sterling quality throughout.
The story opens with a strong lead and quickly immerses the reader in the quiet mission of one man, revealing his identity only once the journey is underway. What sets it apart is its deep humanity — the characters feel real, their words and actions authentic. Through vivid interviews and empathetic writing, it paints a powerful portrait of a place being torn apart, with each person adding depth and heart to a story that speaks volumes without preaching.
First: Best Multimedia Package, news
First: Best Title and Lead-In
Second: Best Feature Article
Honorable Mention: Best Multiple Picture Package, feature
story by Kateryna Malofieieva, photos by Konstantin Chernichkin
This compelling entry delves into the profound impact of conflict, using evocative storytelling and striking imagery to illuminate pathways toward healing. It not only captures the deep scars left by war but also offers a hopeful vision of recovery and resilience, demonstrating how the power of narrative can transform trauma into a story of renewal.
Second: Best Use of Typography
Second: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues, life and dignity of the human person
Third: Best Story and Photo Package, by two individuals or more
Honorable Mention: Best Photograph, general news, “Too Much to Take”
story by Gohar Abrahamyan, photos by Nazik Armenakyan, layout by Paul Grillo
First: Best Online Content Not Published in Print, Photo, “Care for Refugees in Armenia”
Honorable Mention: Best Layout of Article or Column
story by Hikma A. Abdulmejid, photos and video by Petterik Wiggers
First: Best Photograph, feature photo, “Food for Thought”
First: Best Photograph, Catholic education, “Food for Thought”
This is a beautifully composed image with a compelling sense of visual storytelling. The lighting and the careful approach to capturing an important moment are very strong. Positioned well in the left quadrant using the rule of thirds and an eye-level camera angle, the image conveys a sense of innocence and underlying tension. The softly blurred background, achieved through a shallow depth of field, effectively draws the viewer’s attention to the main subject.
This powerful portrait is representative of several strong submissions from this outlet. It accomplishes what the best photographs strive to do: tell a story in a single image. The technical quality of the photo is admirable, and the choice of subject — a boy clutching a scrap of bread while schooling — captures the austerity, dignity and optimism of the situation.
Second: Best Multimedia Package, social justice issues
The video immerses you in the experience, with short editing cuts that draw you in and consistently excellent writing that offers rich detail, history, and analysis. It humanizes a global issue by showcasing real faces and conveying the genuine weight behind the efforts. You can truly feel it — outstanding work on all fronts.
story by Hikma A. Abdulmejid, photos by Petterik Wiggers
Third: Best Feature Article
The piece begins with a massacre and unfolds through war, famine, and tragedy — but shifts toward healing, rebuilding, and grace. It ultimately unites suffering and redemption through the theme of one sacrifice. What emerges is a portrait of endurance, formation and calling. Strong reporting and interviews offer a rare, moving glimpse into a forgotten place marked by deep conflict, yet still reaching for hope. A powerful testament to resilience and faith in the darkest of times.
Honorable Mention: Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues, life and dignity of the human person
Honorable Mention: Best Photograph, vocations, “Ethiopian Seminarians on Retreat”
Please find below a list of additional awards not featured above.
FIRST PLACE
Best Website, General Publisher, cnewa.org. This innovative website design is a sight to behold! With incredible graphics and creative layout, this site offers visual appeal and ease of reading. The maps are a really neat feature, and the variety of content creates greater engagement for visitors.
Best Blog, Social Justice Issues, The CNEWA Blog. Crisp, clear, well-supported blog that offers diverse insights from a mix of perspectives. The writers engage readers by telling personal stories to illuminate high-level issues via individual human responses to big-picture humankind concerns.
Best Online Content Not Published in Print, Articles, The CNEWA Blog. Timely, relevant, and well done, this piece offers diverse coverage — from breaking news to thoughtful reflection and insight — with attentive detail throughout.
Best Coverage, Disaster or Crises, Conflict in the Middle East, ONE Magazine. Excellent in-depth coverage of the crisis in the Middle East. Thorough reporting revealed in exceptional writing, photography and videos that seamlessly work together to present a captivating, comprehensive whole.
Best Special Section, Pontifical Mission @75, ONE Magazine
High-quality reporting, descriptive writing, and elegant design make this special edition stand out in a category filled with strong work. Excellent job!
Best Story and Photo Package by two individuals or more, At an Impasse, December 2024, ONE Magazine. With its arresting visuals and emotionally charged storytelling, this entry confronts a critical moment with clarity and creativity. Its compelling imagery and narrative work together to illustrate the tension and transformative potential at a crossroads.
Best Photograph, general news, “Standing United,” ONE Magazine, December 2024, opening image of Rooted in the Land Called Holy. A compelling scene that conveys a mood and provides context. The sunset lighting is low and creates a challenging exposure, but this is handled well. There is visual movement from the sky to the cross and priest inside the building.
Best Photograph, Immigration/Migration, ONE Magazine, September 2024, “Remembering Home”
SECOND PLACE
Editor of the Year, Laura Ieraci. Laura Ieraci’s storytelling is seamless and thorough, with videos that enhance and support the reporting — resulting in a presentation that is both captivating and illuminating.
Ad Campaign, ONE Magazine, December 2024. The core visual theme is strong enough to allow for slight variations while still maintaining consistency. It is remarkably versatile and can be adapted to convey a wide range of messages and themes. This level of flexibility is uncommon and speaks to the clarity and strength of the base design. Additionally, the fewer the words used, the more powerful the message becomes.
THIRD PLACE
General Excellence, Mission Magazines. ONE Magazine, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, The ONE Editorial and Creative teams.
This engaging, mission-focused magazine features excellent reporting, writing, visuals and layout.
Best Coverage of Social Justice Issues, “Promoting Human Dignity,” ONE Magazine.
Wow, really powerful topics, important stories, clearly told.
Best Layout of Article, A Sign of Hope in the Holy Land, June 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Title and Lead-in, A Place to Belong, June 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Online Content Not Published in Print, Photo, “Care for Vulnerable Children in Ethiopia,” The CNEWA Blog
Best Reporting on a Special Age Group, Fueled by Vision and Faith, March 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues, call to family, community and participation, Where ‘Truly Everything is Positive’, September 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues, rights and responsibilities, Persevering in Changing Times, March 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues, solidarity, Hope for a Peaceful Future, March 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Writing, in-depth, At an Impasse, December 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Interview, video, In Conversation with Konstantin Chernichkin, The CNEWA Blog, July 2024
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Best Web and Print Package, Leaning on Mercy and Grace, December 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Feature Article, Rooted in the Land Called Holy, December 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues, call to family, community and participation, Fueled by Vision and Faith, March 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Multiple Picture Package, Hope for a Peaceful Future, March 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Photograph, vocations, “Compassionate Care for HIV and AIDS Patients,” September 2024, ONE Magazine
Best Photograph, Catholic education, “Learning the ABCs,” March 2024, ONE Magazine