BTS’ “SWIM,” the Only K-Pop Entry Among 300, Competes for Trophy Against Madonna at Poland’s ToruńCAMERIMAGE

The group BTS has once again demonstrated K-pop’s visual artistry to audiences around the world. The music video for “SWIM,” the title track from the group’s fifth full-length album, has earned a nomination for a top award at Poland’s most prestigious festival of visual arts.

Distinctive visuals showcase artistic merit as BTS faces off against global pop icons

According to the final lineup for the 2026 music video competition, officially announced by the organizers of the ToruńCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival (hereafter, Camerimage) on the 19th local time, “SWIM,” the title track from BTS’ album “ARIRANG,” has secured a spot in the “Best Music Video” category.

Around 300 works from around the world were submitted to this year’s festival, setting the stage for fierce competition. Just 18 made the final shortlist, with BTS the only K-pop act among them. The group will compete for the trophy against music videos by global pop stars including Madonna, Ariana Grande and Harry Styles.

Launched in 1993, Camerimage is the world’s only international film festival devoted to cinematographers and visual aesthetics. Renowned for its rigorous evaluation of visual accomplishment and cinematographic artistry beyond simple popular appeal, the nomination is especially meaningful as recognition of K-pop music videos’ visual aesthetics by leading figures in global filmmaking.

The 34th edition of the festival will be held in grand style in Toruń, Poland, from the 7th to the 14th of next month. The winner of the “Best Music Video” award will be revealed at the closing ceremony on the festival’s final day.