The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday have been shortlisted across five categories in the Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards. The Mail on Sunday's investigation into Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein leads the charge in the Investigation of the Year category, with reporting that prompted the King to strip his brother of all royal titles. Beyond this flagship investigation, the publications have secured nominations across several individual journalist categories, recognising contribution to public interest reporting.

The shortlist includes David Patrikarakos for Commentator of the Year, recognised for analysis of geopolitics and sectarian issues; Piriyanga Thirunimalan for Young Journalist of the Year, acknowledged for her work on The Crime Desk covering serious crime cases; and multimedia reporter Mimi Yates for Social Media Journalist of the Year, for investigations reaching younger audiences on social platforms. The Daily Mail itself is nominated for National News Media Organisation of the Year, whilst the Society of Editors' chief executive hailed the nominees' contribution to "a healthy, informed democracy."