A news or feature picture that depicts a unique or behind-the-scenes view of Washington politicians, people relating to politic or other Washington insiders (but not the President of the United States and not taken on Capitol Hill). Pictures taken outside Washington, D.C. must prominently feature a Washington insider. (Any candidate for U.S. President is considered a Washington insider).
First Place
Andrew Harnik, The Associated Press
Joe: Vice President Joe Biden listens as President Barack Obama, left, delivers remarks to members of the 2016 United States Summer Olympic and Paralympic Teams during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Second Place
Al Drago, The New York Times
The Hug: First Lady Michelle Obama hugs former President George W. Bush as President Barack Obama and former First Lady Laura Bush arrive at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opening ceremony, on the National Mall, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 in Washington.
Third Place
Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency
Biden's Beach Bash: Vice President Joe Biden fights in a squirt gun battle with children of guests to his annual summer party, called the 'Biden Beach Party Bash,' for his staff and members of the media on the lawn behind his residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, USA, 04 June 2016.
Award of Excellence
Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency
The Day After: White House staff members listen to President Barack Obama speak about Donald Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton for the presidency in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 09 November 2016. Americans voted on Election Day to choose Donald trump as the 45th President of the United States of America to serve from 2017 through 2020.
Award of Excellence
Aude Guerrucci, Polaris
Untitled: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - Vice President Joe Biden waves before entering the stage at the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center.
Award of Excellence
J. Scott Applewhite, The Associated Press
Convention Conference: Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee confer while Alaska recounts their votes during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.