CJF, CP Name Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award Winner
TORONTO, April 2, 2026 – Keito Newman, an Ottawa–Gatineau–area based freelance photojournalist, is the recipient of the 2026 Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award, presented annually by The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) and The Canadian Press (CP).
“Keito is at a stage where everything is starting to click. He’s producing compelling images from challenging subject matter, with a clear sense of storytelling and strong visual instincts,” says jury member and CP photographer Frank Gunn. “I’m looking forward to seeing what he will do in Toronto with the support and mentorship he’ll receive at CP.”
The coveted award was established in memory of the late, prize-winning CP photographer Tom Hanson. It offers an early-career photojournalist a six-week paid internship at CP’s Toronto headquarters. The experience will enable Newman to sharpen his skills, receive mentorship from experienced journalists and gain valuable national exposure.
“I have long admired the work of Canadian Press photographers across the country and around the world,” says Newman. “The opportunity to document events as they unfold and tell stories that matter is what drew me to photojournalism. Through the Tom Hanson award, I hope to grow as a storyteller and contribute to the high standard of Canadian photojournalism.”
Jury member and photojournalist Marta Iwanek, who won the award in 2015, praised the strength of this year’s finalists, noting their determination and largely self-directed paths into a competitive industry. “Keito represents an impressive new generation of photojournalists who have pushed themselves to break into a very challenging field,” she says. “His work stood out for its blend of storytelling and artistry, particularly in sports photography where his images were especially dynamic and impactful.
“What also impressed me was his clear commitment to growth — he spoke about actively seeking feedback on assignments, which is exactly the kind of drive that will serve him well.”
View Newman’s portfolio, which was selected among submissions from students and early-career photojournalists across the country.
Newman will receive recognition at the CJF Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Selection Committee
- Catherine Hanson, spouse of late Tom Hanson;
- Heide Kaspar-Glorieux, mother of Tom Hanson;
- Megan Leach, Director of Digital Platform Operations, CP;
- Graeme Roy, visual content curator, CP (retired);
- Frank Gunn, national photographer, CP;
- Tony Caldwell, photographer, Ottawa Sun;
- Giordano Ciampini, photo editor, CP;
- Hannah Yoon, photojournalist and 2014 Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award winner;
- Marta Iwanek, photojournalist and 2015 Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award winner;
- Jennie Worden, CJF communications and program manager; and
- Scott White, Senior Director, Media Relations and External Communications, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and an honorary CJF governor.
This award is generously supported by Sony.
The 2026 CJF Awards are supported by Google News Initiative, Rogers, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, Canada Life, Sobeys, TD Bank Group, Intact, CBC/Radio-Canada, Canadian Medical Association, McCain Foods, RBC, Scotiabank, FGS Longview, KPMG, WSP, Canadian Bankers Association, Aga Khan Development Network, AI Safety Foundation, Barry and Laurie Green, CIGI, Canada’s National Observer, CPPIB, Definity Insurance, Fidelity Investments, The Globe and Mail, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, McDonald’s Canada, The New York Times, OLG, OMERS, Ontario Securities Commission, Real Content Networks, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber, Village Media, Weber Shandwick, Zai Mamdani/Mamdani Family Foundation
And in-kind supporters: Bespoke Audio-Visual, Porter
