William Klein will receive the award at a ceremony in London on 26 April, with a retrospective of his work going on show at Somerset House from 27 April until 20 May.

"A prodigious, giant of film, photography and graphic publications, William Klein is one of the true great forces of the 20th and 21st century," says Marcus Bury from the HackelBury gallery, Klein's gallerist in London. "William's work has blasted a trail of innovation and has had a major influence on the many artists who have followed in his wake. His is a career most worthy of celebration. Klein's documentaries, his films of satire, political commentary and anarchy, his studies of cities and icons of fashion all continue to inspire artists, graphic designers, filmmakers and photographers to this day. Never one to steer clear of controversy or confrontation, William Klein is a true master of the creative arts."

Klein's work will also be the subject of a Tate exhibition from 10 October 2012, alongside the works of Daido Moriyama. Taking as its central theme the cities of New York and Tokyo, the exhibition William Klein + Daido Moriyama will explore both artists' celebrated depictions of modern urban life. Simon Baker of Tate says: "Klein's iconic photobooks of the 1950s and 60s: Rome, Tokyo and most famously Life is Good & Good for You in New York, Trance Witness Revels are rightly recognised as among the most important and influential in the history of photography. As his photographic practice shows, Klein has always been brilliant, exacting and uncompromising, with a unique and unmistakable critical vision of 20th century life. His Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award from the World Photography Organisation is recognition of a body of work of incredible diversity, depth and individuality."

For more information, visit www.worldphoto.org.

Antonia Simone Barbershop New York 1961 Vogue. William Klein, Outstanding Contribution to Photography Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2012.

Painted contact, Gun. 1, New York 1955. William Klein, Outstanding Contribution to Photography Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2012.

Still from the movie 'Who are you Polly Maggoo', 1966. William Klein, Outstanding Contribution to Photography Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2012

The Holy Family on bike, Roma 1956. William Klein, Outstanding Contribution to Photography Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2012