Report on the Grand Prize Selection Open-Committee Meeting of New Cosmos of Photography 2008 (31st competition)
Grand Prize Selection Meeting
After the presentations of the finalists, the Grand Prize selection committee of judges met in another room. The strength and presentation of the works, as well as the future potential for development as an artist were scrutinized and compared. After gradually narrowing down the nominees, a final unanimous decision was made for Masanori Hata’s “Black humor or useless word” to be the grand prize winner.
Also, at this time the judges enthusiastically discussed a strong sense of purpose in seeking photographic expression that did not exist up until now, and the expectations for “the next harvest” that does not stop with the current finalists’ works. This was the greatest number of entries up to now, and it was also an occasion to thoroughly consider how the New Cosmos of Photography will be judged from now on.
Overview of the award presentation ceremony
At the award presentation ceremony, Bunji Yano, deputy group executive of External Relations Headquarters of Canon Inc., presented a certificate of commendation and a list of prizes to Masaru Eguchi on behalf of the 30 artists in 28 groups as the Honorable Mention representative. Then, prior to the Grand Prize announcement, a certificate of commendation and a list of prizes were presented to each of the five Excellence Award winners. Next, was Masanori Hata’s Grand Prize announcement and award. Sumiko Sawada, general manager of the Canon Social and Cultural Program Division also presented flower bouquets.
Comments of the Grand Prize winner
After hearing the master of ceremonies’ impressions about winning the award, Grand Prize winner Masanori Hata said, “I am glad that I have been able to take photos up until now, and that I will be able to continue. Thank you very much.” There was unanimous applause from the audience and the judges.
