A news or feature picture that depicts a unique or behind-the-scenes view of Washington politicians, people relating to politics 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
Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images
Unveil: Former President Barack Obama helps to unveil his official portrait at the White House on September 7, 2022 in Washington, DC. The Obama’s portraits will be the first official portraits added to the White House Collection since President Obama held an unveiling ceremony for George W. Bush and Laura Bush in 2012.
Second Place
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Bannon Sentenced: WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: Former Trump White House senior advisor Stephen Bannon leaves federal court after being sentenced on October 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. Bannon was sentenced to 4 months in prison after a federal jury found him guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress after he refused to turn over documents or be interviewed by the House committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Third Place
Doug Mills, The New York Times
Secret Service drip: On a hot summer day, a member of the Secret Service has sweat dripping off his face as President Joe Biden participates in the U.S. Coast Guard change of command ceremony where Adm. Karl L. Schultz will be relieved by Adm. Linda Fagan as the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, during a ceremony at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, Wednesday, June, 1, 2022.
Award of Excellence
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Taking Questions, Punching Holes: WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 09: As her predecessors did before, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stands on a padded anti-fatigue mat during the daily news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on December 09, 2022 in Washington, DC. Jean-Pierre continued to face questions about the release of Olympic gold-medalist and WNBA player Brittney Griner from Russian custody in exchange for convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout.
Award of Excellence
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Untitled: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz answers brief questions after casting his ballot at the Bryn Athyn Borough Hall November 8, 2022 in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.
Award of Excellence
Bill Clark, Roll Call
Early Voting Rally: Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., speaks during the Prince William County early voting rally for Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., in Woodbridge, Va., on Saturday, September 24, 2022.