World Press Photo to suspend authorship attribution for ‘The Terror of War’ photograph

A recent documentary made by The VII Foundation asserted that Nick Út is not the author of the photograph, ‘The Terror of War’ (1972). This prompted deep reflection at World Press Photo and a subsequent investigation between January 2025 and May 2025 in regards to the photo’s authorship. The image was the World Press Photo of the Year in the 1973 Contest.

Today, Friday 16 May, World Press Photo shares findings and a report which shows that World Press Photo has suspended the attribution of ‘The Terror of War’ to Nick Út, from today.

Investigative analysis from World Press Photo indicated that, based on analysis of location, distance, and the camera used on that day, photographers Nguyễn Thành Nghệ or Huỳnh Công Phúc may have been better positioned to take the photograph than Nick Út.

Follow this link for an article by World Press Photo Executive Director Joumana El Zein Khoury, including an executive summary of the World Press Photo investigative analysis.

The Terror of War

Importantly, the photograph itself remains undisputed, and the World Press Photo award for this significant photo of a major moment in 20th century history remains a fact. Only the authorship is suspended and under review. This remains contested history, and it is possible that the author of the photograph will never be fully confirmed. The suspension of the authorship attribution stands unless it is proved otherwise.

The matter will be discussed at World Press Photo’s public event 'The Stories That Matter’ on Saturday 17 May at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam at 3pm. For media accreditation to attend please find the details below.

Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director of World Press Photo, states, ''We have a process when allegations arise after prizes have been awarded. Part of that process was that we conducted an investigative analysis into the allegations and situation. Based on these findings and according to our values of accuracy, trustworthiness and diversity we draw conclusions with regards to attribution. In full transparency we today share the results of our analysis. It is important to state that the picture itself is undisputed and it is without question that this photograph represents a real moment in history that continues to reverberate in Vietnam, the United States, and globally.''

About World Press Photo
World Press Photo is an independent non-profit organization that champions the power of photojournalism and documentary photography to deepen understanding, promote dialogue, and inspire action.

Founded in the Netherlands in 1955, our annual and thematic exhibitions reach millions of people in over 80 locations world-wide each year, and our online work reaches millions more. We create space for reflection in times of urgency, while upholding standards of accuracy, authenticity, visual excellence, and diverse perspectives. Our education programs help photographers reach these standards, and members of the public recognize them. We are thankful for the support of our funders, particularly our strategic partners the Dutch Postcode Lottery, PwC, and FUJIFILM Corporation.
www.worldpressphoto.org

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World Press Photo to suspend authorship attribution for ‘The Terror of War’ photograph

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