The Malta Society of Arts (MSA) has awarded its prestigious Gold Medal for 2025 to Darrin Zammit Lupi in recognition of his exceptional contribution 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, President of Malta, alongside Zammit Lupi’s long-time friends, collaborators and family, and the MSA Committee and staff.
Zammit Lupi is an award-winning photojournalist with over three decades of experience documenting crises, conflict and the human condition worldwide. A long-time contributor 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 Mediterranean migration emergency, the Southeast Asian tsunami, the Libyan uprising and the exodus of Ukrainian refugees. His photographs have appeared in leading international publications such as TIME, The New York Times and The Guardian, and his work has earned numerous 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 documentary sensibility to both cinema and live performance.
In selecting its 2025 Gold Medal Awardee, the Committee of the Malta Society of Arts noted that Zammit Lupi’s powerful imagery – spanning humanitarian and social contexts as well as global events – has profoundly shaped public perception and contributed significantly to the development of visual culture in Malta and beyond. This prestigious honour recognises his lifelong dedication, compassion and the lasting impact of his work.
H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, conferred the Gold Medal and Certificate on Darrin Zammit Lupi. In her speech, President Myriam Spiteri Debono referred to Darrin’s photography as a practice grounded in responsibility, empathy and public service, 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 empathy, 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 commented: “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 rather than another. For me, this award isn’t a conclusion or a full stop, but a reminder – and a responsibility – to keep looking, to keep questioning and to keep telling stories that matter. 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 Zammit Lupi’s friend and former colleague Ariadne Massa, who concluded the exchange with the following: “What has distinguished Darrin’s work is his ability to find human meaning in small, often overlooked moments, whether in conflict zones, at sea or on a film set. His visual storytelling combines quiet intensity with compassion, creating a body of work that speaks with honesty, dignity and lasting impact.”
Taking the stage after Massa, long-time friend and fellow photographer Kevin Casha also 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 interludes by pianist Maria Elena Farrugia and flautist Fiorella Camilleri, who performed a selection of pieces by Chopin, Morricone and Piazzolla.
“Established within a long tradition of artistic and cultural 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 excellence have played a vital role in advancing cultural practice and preserving a living artistic legacy.
“Darrin Zammit Lupi’s photographic practice stands as a powerful sociological and cultural record of contemporary Malta. Through a sustained and rigorous body of work, he documents social realities with clarity, empathy 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 Cremona, Richard England, Oreste Kirkop, Oliver Friggieri, Gabriel Caruana, Karmen Azzopardi and Austin Camilleri.
The Gold Medal Award ceremony 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.
