Notice Regarding Pictures of the Year International Newspaper Photographer of the Year Emilio Morenatti

(© Damon Webster)
Emilio Morenatti speaks during the Education & Awards program on Friday, July 10, 2009.

We regret to report award-winning photojournalist Emilio Morenatti was injured while covering conflict in Southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. According to the Associated Press, he and others were victims of a car bombing, while embedded with the U. S. Military.

This event underscores the inherent dangers and personal risks often associated with photojournalists assigned to conflict zones. Morenatti is a gifted photographer whose work is widely featured in the POYi exhibit currently at the Annenberg Space for Photography.

We share a statement from Rick Shaw, Director of POYi, as well as a link to an article published by the New York Times about the incident, and a recent update on Morenatti's condition in the LA Weekly. We join POYi, and the photographic community at large, in wishing Emilio Morenatti a speedy recovery.

--Wallis Annenberg and the Annenberg Foundation