BTS ‘SWIM’ Video Nominated at Poland’s Camerimage

A film camera set up in front of a wide ocean at golden-hour sunset

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As of October 22, 2026, BTS's 'SWIM' music video is a nominee for Best Music Video at Camerimage, the cinematography-focused film festival in Toruń, Poland. Winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on Nov. 14.

300 entriesApproximate total submissions in the music video category

18 videosNumber of finalists selected

100 millionYouTube views passed within a month of release

Key points

The festival announced its music video competition nominees on Oct. 19 (local time), and 'SWIM,' the title track of BTS's fifth studio album 'Arirang,' made the list.
The field was narrowed from roughly 300 entries to 18 finalists, and BTS was reportedly the only K-pop act included.
The 34th Camerimage runs Nov. 7–14 in Toruń, Poland.

Camerimage is an international film festival launched in 1993 that spotlights the craft and visual artistry of cinematography. Its prestige in the field is high enough that people in the industry sometimes call it the Oscars of cinematography. Music videos get their own competition, with winners chosen on the quality of the camerawork and direction.

In this year's lineup, BTS will compete against Harry Styles' 'American Girls,' Ariana Grande's 'Hate That I Made You Love Me' and Madonna's 'Confessions II,' among others. The nominated videos will get special screenings at the festival's main hall, CKK Jordanki, in Toruń.

'SWIM' dropped in March with the song and video released together, and it crossed 100 million YouTube views on April 15. The video was shot against the wide-open ocean in Lisbon, Portugal, starring Hollywood actress Lili Reinhart and directed by Tanu Muino. The seven members appear as presences standing alongside a character trying to push through hardship.

Critics said the video turned the song's message, to love life and keep moving forward, into something that plays like a short film. At Camerimage, it is entered as a work by cinematographer Nikita Kuzmenko and director Muino.

In Korea right nowKorean media are stressing that the video's visuals, not just the song's popularity, are now being recognized on an international stage. Coverage also highlighted that BTS shares the list with global pop stars. With results due at the Nov. 14 closing ceremony, attention is turning to whether the nomination becomes a win.

FAQ

What is Camerimage?

It's an international film festival in Poland, launched in 1993, that focuses on the art and technology of cinematography. This year is its 34th edition.

When will the winners be announced?

The festival runs Nov. 7–14, and results, including Best Music Video, will be revealed at the closing ceremony on Nov. 14.

What is 'SWIM'?

It's the title track of BTS's fifth studio album 'Arirang.' The song and its music video were released together in March this year.