2nd prize Spot News Stories, Roberto Schmidt, Colombia/Germany, Agence France-Presse, Kenya election unrest, Nairobi, 29-31 December

The annual World Press Photo contest offers a global overview of the best, recent photojournalism in a wide variety of categories. The results are always compelling — some are outrageous moments, some are horrifying, a few are quite funny, and all seem relevant to our contemporary world.

This year's winners were announced a few hours ago. We are very pleased to present 21 of the winning photos here in Lens Culture. Inspiring!

3rd prize Sports Action Stories, Chris Detrick, USA, The Salt Lake Tribune, Sports portfolio

1st prize Arts and Entertainment Stories, Rafal Milach, Poland, Anzenberger Agency, Retired circus artists, Poland