UNSPLASH

The Animals category in the Unsplash Awards pays homage to the fascinating world of animals, where photographers capture the diversity, behavior, and beauty of creatures from across the globe, bringing the animal kingdom closer to viewers. Introduced as a distinct category alongside Nature and Travel, it emphasizes wildlife imagery that highlights both aesthetic appeal and conservation urgency, judged by experts like those from WWF.​

Matthew Stephenson as Winner

Matthew Stephenson from Canada won the Animals category in the 2025 Unsplash Awards for his penguin photograph, selected by judge Nickolai Kinny Whitmore of WWF International. The judge praised it as a "masterclass in framing and profiling," noting how it isolates a single penguin amid hundreds, centering it perfectly with clear intent and personality in a crowded scene. This victory aligns with Stephenson's background in photography and video content production.​