Associated Press journalists and staff from across the globe whose contributions and achievements over the past year significantly supported its mission are among the winners of the 2026 Oliver S. Gramling Awards, the organization’s highest internal honors.
Created in 1994 to recognize AP staffers for professional excellence, the Gramling Awards are decided each year by a panel of judges from across the global news organization. The $10,000 awards come from a fund established by the estate of the late AP broadcast executive Oliver S. Gramling.
The judges this year evaluated submissions in three categories: achievement, spirit and journalism.
“This year’s Gramling Award winners represent the very best of AP, with colleagues from across the globe and every corner of our organization recognized for their extraordinary contributions,” said AP President and CEO Daisy Veerasingham. “From groundbreaking journalism and visual storytelling to driving innovation and providing indispensable support behind the scenes, these honorees exemplify the dedication, ingenuity and collaboration that make AP’s mission possible.”
$10,000 Oliver S. Gramling Achievement Award
Rafaela Freitas, live video news editor, London
Rafaela Freitas is honored for her innovative leadership and operational expertise in transforming AP’s live video operation and positioning it for the future.
Svetlana Setunskaya, regional sales director, Berlin
Svetlana Setunskaya’s persistence, creativity and determination helped the organization overcome complex challenges and secure vital revenue that strengthened AP’s business.
Technology Special Events Team
The Technology Special Events Team is recognized for their exceptional technical expertise, innovation and behind-the-scenes support that enables AP to deliver fast, reliable coverage of the world’s biggest events. The team is represented by: Stephen Collingwood, technology operations manager; James Lipari, enterprise collaboration global events team lead; Stephen KH Moyes, EMEA/Asia technology support and global events director; and Nikos Seimenakis, enterprise collaboration and global events lead, photo technology manager.
$10,000 Oliver S. Gramling Spirit Award
David J. Phillip, photographer, Houston
David J. Phillip has helped advance AP’s photojournalism through his technical innovation, including his pioneering work in photo robotics, and his dedication to helping colleagues around the world capture extraordinary images.
Mary Miller, administrative assistant, Atlanta
Mary Miller is recognized for her unwavering dedication, selflessness and support to her colleagues that keeps AP’s operations running smoothly, enabling its journalists to focus on delivering quality journalism.
$10,000 Oliver S. Gramling Journalism Award
Samy Magdy, reporter, Cairo
Samy Magdy has been indispensable to AP’s Middle East coverage, providing deeply sourced, often exclusive reporting that kept AP ahead of competitors during the Iran war and Gaza conflict.
Venezuela All-Formats Reporting Team
AP’s Venezuela All-Formats Reporting Team is recognized for their fast, authoritative and firsthand reporting on major developments in Venezuela that have enabled AP to deliver comprehensive coverage across text, photo and video formats. The team is represented by Juan Arraez, video journalist; Regina Garcia Cano, newsperson; Ariana Cubillos Charry, photographer; Matias Delacroix, photographer; and Jorge Rueda, newsperson.
Additionally, the organization’s Middle East staff were awarded a Presidential Citation for Courage in Journalism for their vital efforts in covering the rapidly expanding regional war.
About AP
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day. Online: www.ap.org
Contact
Sarah Hladik
Communications Associate
The Associated Press
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