Index on Censorship’s Freedom of Expression Awards celebrate those who have had significant impact fighting censorship anywhere in the world.

There are four categories: Arts, Campaigning, Journalism and the Trustee award. Winners are honoured at a gala celebration in London and receive financial support.

The 26th Annual Freedom of Expression Awards will take place in November 2026 in London.

DISCOVER THE 2025 WINNERS HERE. 

"The Freedom of Expression Awards are a chance to recognise the astonishing work being done under incredibly difficult circumstances by artists, journalists and campaigners around the world. These people risk everything in their quest for justice and a fairer world and they deserve our attention, recognition and help. The awards bring their stories to light, honour their courageous actions, and highlight how important it is to protect freedom of expression more broadly."

Jemimah Steinfeld, CEO, Index on Censorship

The 25th Annual Freedom of Expression Awards were held on Wednesday 19 November 2025 in London.

Learn more about the 2025 winners here.

The panel of judges for the 2025 Freedom of Expression Awards was Baroness Hollick OBE; Can Dündar, multiple award-winning Turkish journalist, author and documentary-maker; Sir Trevor Phillips OBE, chair of Index on Censorship; Ben Preston, Culture Editor of The Times & Sunday Times; Jemimah Steinfeld, CEO of Index on Censorship.

Click here to find out more about winners from previous years.

Sponsorship

There are many ways you can sponsor the Awards, and support not only the winners but all the work Index does. Please contact Anna Wood at [email protected] for more information.