THE PULITZER PRIZE | THE PULITZER PRIZE CATEGORIES
The Pulitzer Prize is regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism, literary achievement, and musical composition. Established in 1917 from funds endowed by journalist and newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, prizes are awarded yearly in twenty-one categories.
THE PULITZER PRIZE Categories and Criteria:
Over the years, the Pulitzer Prize has expanded to encompass a wide range of categories.
- In journalism, awards are granted for public service, breaking news reporting, investigative reporting, and more.
- The literature categories include fiction, drama, history, and poetry, among others.
- Additionally, there are prizes for music and photography, making the Pulitzer a diverse celebration of talent.
Additional Details about the PULITZER PRIZE CATEGORIES
1# Music Pulitzer Prize Category ongoing
- Eligibility Deadline: December 31, 2023
- Submission Deadline: January 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Music Submission Guidelines and Requirements (updated 08/23/2023)
The Pulitzer Prize in Music is awarded “for distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the year.” Entries should reflect current creative activity.
Works that receive their U.S. premiere between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 are eligible. Either a public performance or the public release of a recording may constitute a premiere. If an entry consists solely of a recording, the work should be first performed and recorded not earlier than two years prior to its public release date.
#2 Drama Pulitzer Prize Category ongoing
- Eligibility Deadline: December 31, 2023
- Submission Deadline: January 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time
- Drama Submission Guidelines and Requirements (updated 08/23/2023)
The Pulitzer Prize in Drama is awarded “for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life.” Eligible works include full-length dramas that opened in the United States between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.
One of the distinctive features of the Pulitzer Prize is the emphasis on the impact of the work on American society. The criteria often include qualities such as clarity of expression, the significance of the subject matter, and the moral purpose of the work. This focus on societal impact underscores the Pulitzer’s commitment to honoring works that contribute to the betterment of the world.
The Pulitzer Prize: A Beacon of Excellence in Journalism, Literature, and Music
For nearly a century, the Pulitzer Prize has stood as a prestigious symbol of success in American journalism, literature, and music. Founded by Hungarian-American newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer, the prize acknowledges great work that informs, inspires, and elevates the human experience.
A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1917, the Pulitzer Prize was envisioned by Pulitzer as a method to encourage and reward excellence in journalism. He thought that a free and independent press was necessary for a strong democracy and that journalists played a fundamental role in holding power accountable and enlightening the public. This commitment to journalistic ethics is at the core of the Pulitzer Prize’s purpose today.
Over the years, the prize has moved beyond its primary focus on journalism. Today, it comprises a vast range of categories, including fiction, poetry, drama, history, biography, and music creation. This expansion reflects the ever-evolving panorama of American culture and the essential role that artists and authors play in influencing society.
A Catalyst for Change
The Pulitzer Prize has been a powerful force for positive change throughout its history. It has shed a light on social injustices, exposed corruption, and given voice to oppressed communities. Pulitzer Prize-winning works have spurred national conversations, inspired movements, and even led to legislative breakthroughs.
For example, the 1946 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service awarded to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for its investigative series exposing racial segregation in hospitals ultimately led to the desegregation of healthcare facilities in Missouri. Similarly, the 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing awarded to Teresa Carpenter for her exposé on the consequences of Agent Orange exposure for Vietnam veterans served to raise awareness and ultimately to enhanced compensation for afflicted veterans.
A Celebration of Creativity and Innovation
Beyond its impact on societal change, the Pulitzer Prize also acknowledges the force of creativity and invention. It acknowledges the artistic skills of writers, composers, and journalists who push limits, question convention, and expand our understanding of the human experience.
From Toni Morrison’s breakthrough novel “Beloved” to Kendrick Lamar’s genre-bending music album “DAMN.,” Pulitzer Prize-winning works have made an enduring influence on American culture. These works have not only entertained and challenged us but have also widened our perspectives and allowed us to perceive the world in new and unexpected ways.
For more Information About Pulitzer Prizes and Pulitzer Categories Visit PULITZER Official Website
