The prestigious Image of the Year award for 2025 has been granted to Kyrre Lien, a photojournalist for VG, for his poignant photograph captured in Syria. The image features a lone man standing on a roof in the midst of a war-torn landscape, symbolizing the fight to reclaim life and the urgent need to cling to remnants of reality and civilization. The jury emphasized that this powerful visual narrative represents the enduring human spirit in the face of chaos and devastation.

The award-winning photograph starkly portrays the desolation of Syria, where the bleak environment underscores the man’s desperate attempts to connect with the outside world. Elements within the image, such as a solitary glowing television, serve as fleeting glimpses of everyday life, amidst the ruins. The juxtaposition of life and destruction is effectively articulated through these minor details, which resonate deeply, prompting viewers to reflect on the fragility of existence in conflict zones.

Kyrre Lien's work is a testimony to the resilience of the human condition, capturing not only a moment in time but also the broader narrative of a nation's struggle. This recognition brings attention not just to the art of photography, but to the pressing humanitarian issues facing regions enveloped in war, encouraging a dialogue around the fate of those affected by such crises.