Nicole Tung Wins 2026 Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award

The award, established in 2014 to honor the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Anja Niedringhaus, recognizes journalists who demonstrate exceptional tenacity in reporting from the frontlines. Tung’s winning portfolio spans 13 years of work, capturing the visceral impact of violence on families and the broader destruction of social structures. Her repeated recognition—following honorable mentions in 2017 and 2025—cements a unique record for the IWMF.

IWMF President Elisa Lees Muñoz praised Tung’s ability to remain with those who cannot escape conflict, ensuring that these stories do not vanish from public view. Tung, who is based in Istanbul, emphasized the collaborative nature of her craft and the necessity of bearing witness to the world’s most vulnerable populations. The jury, chaired by Whitney Johnson Latorre, selected the winner from 133 submissions across 49 countries.

This year’s honorable mentions were awarded to Georgian photojournalist Daro Sulakauri and Bogotá-based Italian photographer Viviana Peretti. Both journalists were honored for their long-term projects documenting systemic injustice: Sulakauri for her investigation into hidden crimes and illegal adoption in Georgia, and Peretti for her decade-long study of forced disappearances in Colombia. The recipients receive their honors alongside a $20,000 prize funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.