Update 26 June 2025: Based on the feedback received from our community, we have published the full report from our investigation into the authorship of The Terror of War. This report provides further details of the evidence and findings surrounding the authorship of the photograph, particularly regarding the position of the photographer and the camera used to capture the image.
At World Press Photo we have rigorous processes to ensure that every winning image upholds the highest standards of truth, accuracy, and authenticity, keeping journalistic integrity at the core of every decision we make. We encourage everyone to read the report to gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex decision.
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Since 1972, the photograph
The Terror of War has been credited to Associated Press photographer Nick Út. However, this attribution is now under serious question. New research by The VII Foundation, revealed in the January 2025 documentary
The Stringer, along with separate
follow-up investigations conducted by The Associated Press and World Press Photo, suggest the authorship is uncertain, with no conclusive evidence either way.
Due to this current doubt, World Press Photo has suspended the attribution to Nick Út. The available visual evidence and the likely camera used on that day indicate that photographers Nguyễn Thành Nghệ or Huỳnh Công Phúc may have been better positioned to take the photograph.
Importantly, the photograph itself remains undisputed, and the award for the photograph stands. Only the authorship is 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.
For more information, read this article.
Image credit: Associated Press
