Magazine Photographer of the Year
First place: James Nachtwey, Time Magazine

Judges' comments:
Magazine Photographer of the Year: "It's clear that this portfolio is technically, aesthetically, and editorially above all the other entries. The stories documented here are important and well executed. The September 11 coverage is very sophisticated and the pictures will stand the test of time. The aesthetic power of these images reinforces their journalistic value. The elegance of the photographs encourages a viewer to enter, as opposed to turn away from, the hard subjects. He's an allegorical photographer."

About the cross photo: "He's seeing things in layers that the average person would walk past and miss. He sees connections between the atrocities and the beauty of the world in one picture. The photographer's commitment to be where the news is in the world is obvious." -- Brian Storm

Sophisticated seeing and dynamic storytelling are the markings of Nachtwey's work. His work is arresting and manages to capture the essence of human beings in their worst moments of suffering and yet preserves their dignity. He has a unique gift that is beyond skill. His sense of light and composition are so masterful that every one of his images are appreciated and respected by viewers who know little, if anything about the techniques of photographic reporting. His work just speaks to you from the page or the screen." -- Kenny Irby