France, Sept. 6 -- Tato claimed the Visa d'Or prize for news photography for his coverage of Generation Z protests in Madagascar.

His work on the story had been recognised at the World Press Photo Awards in April.

Accepting the accolade, 37-year-old Tato paid tribute to festival founder Jean-Francois Leroy, who died on Monday.

Leroy, he said, had given him an early break in 2018 when he showed his work for the first time.

France's international photojournalism festival founder Leroy dies aged 69

Tato also acknowledged the young people of Madagascar, who "knew how important it was that their story be told".

In September 2025, student-led protests erupted across Madagascar over failing public services, corruption, and economic hardshi...