Following last month’s People award, judged by the legendary Steve McCurry, we are thrilled and privileged to showcase a selection of exceptional competition entries that, while not making the final selection, left a lasting impression due to their extraordinary quality.

A mother and daughter dance together as the sun dips over the Tibetan plains. A priest reads scripture by candlelight in one of Tigray’s ancient rock-hewn churches. Workers in traditional hats harvest tea in the lush fields of Vietnam. In Amman, Jordan, two old friends—and a feathered companion—argue playfully over a game of backgammon, escaping the afternoon heat. These unique moments, captured with remarkable artistry, perceptivity, and skill, collectively celebrate the extraordinary diversity that defines our world.