Drew Philp Won 23rd Michael Kelly Award
The Atavist Magazine journalist received the prize for his investigative feature covering the civil war in Ethiopia.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Awards
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Journalist Drew Philp has been awarded the 23rd Michael Kelly Award for his feature titled There Will Be No Mercy. The Atlantic announced the winner during The Atlantic Festival in New York City.
Why it matters
The prize honors the legacy of Michael Kelly, the first journalist killed in the Iraq War, by recognizing work that demonstrates a fearless pursuit of truth. It continues to highlight investigative reporting that sheds light on international conflicts.
The award includes a $25,000 cash prize for the winner. A panel of five judges oversaw the selection process for the 23rd annual iteration of the honor.
The players
Drew Philp
He is the investigative journalist who authored the winning feature titled There Will Be No Mercy.
The Atlantic
This media organization hosts The Atlantic Festival and manages the annual award program.
Michael Kelly
He was a journalist and the first media member killed during the Iraq War in 2003.
David G. Bradley
He is the creator of the Michael Kelly Award established to honor the memory of the late journalist.
The details
The winning article, which previously secured a National Magazine Award, documents the civil war in Ethiopia. David G. Bradley established the award to honor Kelly following his death in 2003.
Timeline
Michael Kelly was killed in the Iraq War in 2003.
The winning article was published in 2025.
The 23rd Michael Kelly Award was announced on September 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This award cycle follows the annual pattern established by the 2003 death of Michael Kelly in the Iraq War to recognize fearless reporting. It emphasizes the ongoing commitment of media institutions to fund and celebrate high-stakes international investigative journalism.
Readers interested in international affairs can access the award-winning feature to understand the complexities of the civil war in Ethiopia. The recognition of this work highlights significant global narratives that often require lengthy investigative efforts to uncover.
The takeaway
This award demonstrates the industry's continued valuation of long-form investigative journalism in conflict zones. Readers seeking deep-dive reporting can look to recognized features for comprehensive perspectives on global issues.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors on our Awards page.
More information
Find additional details on past winners and submission guidelines on the Michael Kelly Award information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Atlantic.
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