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2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 FEBRUARY 2026 CULTURE Malta Society of Arts awards 2025 Gold Medal to Darrin Zammit Lupi Recognising a lifetime of contribution to photojournalism and visual storytelling, Malta's oldest arts institution honours photographer Darrin Zammit Lupi's outstanding career THE Malta Society of Arts (MSA) has awarded its pres- tigious Gold Medal for 2025 to Darrin Zammit Lupi in recog- nition of his exceptional con- tribution to photographic art and journalistic photography. The ceremony took place at the MSA's historic seat, Palazzo de La Salle, in Valletta on Monday 26 January, attended by H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, Pres- ident of Malta, alongside Zam- mit Lupi's long-time friends, collaborators and family, and the MSA Committee and staff. Zammit Lupi is an award-win- ning photojournalist with over three decades of experience documenting crises, conflict and the human condition worldwide. A long-time con- tributor to the Times of Malta and a contract photographer for Reuters since 1997, his work has covered major global events ranging from the war in Bosnia to the central Mediter- ranean migration emergency, the Southeast Asian tsunami, the Libyan uprising and the ex- odus of Ukrainian refugees. His photographs have appeared in leading international publica- tions such as TIME, The New York Times and The Guardian, and his work has earned nu- merous honours, including the Yannis Behrakis International Photojournalism Award and Malta's National Photography Lifetime Achievement Award. Alongside journalism, he also works extensively in film unit stills and theatre photography, bringing a distinctive docu- mentary sensibility to both cin- ema and live performance. In selecting its 2025 Gold Medal Awardee, the Commit- tee of the Malta Society of Arts noted that Zammit Lupi's pow- erful imagery – spanning hu- manitarian and social contexts as well as global events – has profoundly shaped public per- ception and contributed signif- icantly to the development of visual culture in Malta and be- yond. This prestigious honour recognises his lifelong dedica- tion, compassion and the last- ing impact of his work. H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, conferred the Gold Medal and Certifi- cate on Darrin Zammit Lupi. In her speech, President Myr- iam Spiteri Debono referred to Darrin's photography as a practice grounded in responsi- bility, empathy and public ser- vice, over and above the skill and excellence he employs in the medium. Her Excellency commended Darrin Zammit Lupi for the way he focuses on humanity's suffering with em- pathy, compassion and, above all, responsibility, grounded in respect for human dignity and the overall good of humankind. During his emotional speech at the celebratory intimate ceremony, Zammit Lupi com- mented: "I'm deeply honoured by this award. Recognition like this is never really about one person – it's about the journey, the people who shape you and the moments that quietly steer your life in one direction rath- er than another. For me, this award isn't a conclusion or a full stop, but a reminder – and a responsibility – to keep look- ing, to keep questioning and to keep telling stories that mat- ter. Because as long as there are people who feel unseen or unheard, our work isn't done. That's always been at the heart of my work." The ceremony included an interview conducted by Zam- mit Lupi's friend and former colleague Ariadne Massa, who concluded the exchange with the following: "What has dis- tinguished Darrin's work is his ability to find human mean- ing in small, often overlooked moments, whether in conflict zones, at sea or on a film set. His visual storytelling com- bines quiet intensity with com- passion, creating a body of work that speaks with honesty, dignity and lasting impact." Taking the stage after Mas- sa, long-time friend and fellow photographer Kevin Casha al- so emphasised Zammit Lupi's commitment to authenticity in storytelling. "What makes Darrin's work so powerful is not just what he shows us, but how he shows it – with honesty, compassion and deep respect for the people in front of his lens," he noted. The evening was interspersed with musical in- terludes by pianist Ma- ria Elena Farrugia and flautist Fiorella Camilleri, who per- formed a selection of pieces by Chopin, Morricone and Piaz- zolla. "Established within a long tradition of artistic and cul- tural leadership, the Gold Medal Award represents the highest recognition conferred by the Malta Society of Arts," said MSA's Acting President Roderick Camilleri, speaking on behalf of the Committee. "It honours individuals whose sustained contribution and ex- cellence have played a vital role in advancing cultural practice and preserving a living artistic legacy. "Darrin Zammit Lupi's pho- tographic practice stands as a powerful sociological and cul- tural record of contemporary Malta. Through a sustained and rigor- ous body of work, he d o c u m e n t s social realities with clarity, empa- thy and critical insight, capturing moments that speak to identity, conflict, resilience and collective memory," added Camilleri. The first Gold Medal was awarded by the Malta Society of Arts in 1896 to Vincenzo Cardona, and since then it has recognised leading figures in the arts including Emvin Cre- mona, Richard England, Oreste Kirkop, Oliver Friggieri, Gabri- el Caruana, Karmen Azzopardi and Austin Camilleri. The Gold Medal Award cere- mony was sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation, Avantech, Emanuel Delicata Winemaker, and Times of Malta. For more details about the Malta Society of Arts please visit www. artsmalta.org and to read more about the Gold Medal Award click on www.artsmalta.org/gold-medal- award. Darrin Zammit Lupi at Gold Medal ceremony at Malta Society of Arts