A recent documentary by The VII Foundation claimed that Nick Út was not the author of the photograph The Terror of War (1972). This prompted extensive reflection at World Press Photo and an investigation into the photograph's authorship from January through May 2025. The image was named World Press Photo of the Year in 1973.
World Press Photo then shared its findings and a report showing that it had suspended the attribution of The Terror of War to Nick Út.
A forensic analysis commissioned by World Press Photo found that, based on the location, distance, and camera used that day, photographers Nguyễn Thành Nghệ or Huỳnh Công Phúc may have been better positioned to take the photograph than Nick Út.
Importantly, the photograph itself remains undisputed, and the World Press Photo award for this significant image of an important moment in twentieth-century history remains in place. Only the authorship has been suspended and is under review. The history remains contested, and the photographer may never be conclusively identified. The suspension of the credit will remain in effect unless evidence proves otherwise.
The issue was scheduled for discussion during World Press Photo's public event ‘The Stories That Matter’ on Saturday, May 17, at 3:00 p.m. at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam.
"It is important to note that the photograph itself is not in dispute and that it undoubtedly represents a real moment in history that continues to resonate in Vietnam, the United States, and around the world."
~ Joumana El Zein Khoury
Joumana El Zein Khoury, executive director of World Press Photo, said: "We have a procedure for cases in which allegations arise after awards have been presented. Part of that procedure was to conduct a forensic analysis of the allegations and the situation. Based on these findings and in accordance with our values of accuracy, trustworthiness, and diversity, we draw conclusions regarding attribution. In full transparency, we are sharing the results of our analysis today. It is important to note that the photograph itself is not in dispute and that it undoubtedly represents a real moment in history that continues to resonate in Vietnam, the United States, and around the world."
Read an article by Joumana El Zein Khoury here, executive director of World Press Photo, including a summary of World Press Photo's forensic analysis.
