Report on Grand Prize Selection Open-Committee Meeting of New Cosmos of Photography 2010 (the 33rd competition)
Grand Prize Selection Meeting
After the presentations and the question-and-answer session was over, the judges moved to a different room to discuss and decide the Grand Prize winner. Impressions of works entered, displays, and what was talked about during the presentations were thought about comprehensively, and the judges appealed to the strong points of the candidates they each supported. Discussions continued from various viewpoints as to which should be the winning work based on level of perfection, or expectations of future prospects, and whether it would be a suitable Grand Prize work. After the heated discussion had gone over the scheduled time and finished, Karen Sato was selected to be the Grand Prize winner based on both the level of perfection of her works, and future potential.
Overview of the award presentation ceremony
At the award presentation ceremony, Sumiko Sawada, general manager of Canon's Corporate Communication Department first presented a certificate and a list of prizes to Takeshi Sumi on behalf of the 20 artists as the Honorable Mention representative. Next, a certificate and a list of prizes were presented to each of the five Excellence Award winners. Then, amidst rising tension, he moved on to announce the Grand Prize winner, and Karen Sato's name resonated throughout the venue. Ms. Sato was awarded a certificate, prizes, and an EOS 5D Mark II EF24-105L IS U lens kit as a additional prize.
Comments of the Grand Prize winner
When Grand Prize winner Sato heard the announcement, she appeared to be genuinely surprised. When asked for her impressions, she replied: "I really cannot believe it. This is the happiest I have ever been. I was happy just to have people look at my work and give me words of encouragement, but I never expected to be evaluated like this. This has given me confidence, and I will continue to go my best." And with that, a large round of congratulatory applause was heard throughout the venue.
