What Are the Pulitzer Prizes, and in Which Fields Are They Given?
What Are the Pulitzer Prizes, and in Which Fields Are They Given?
The Pulitzer Prizes are some of the most famous awards in the United States. They honour excellence in journalism, literature, drama, and music. These prizes are awarded every year to people who create work that helps inform, inspire, and challenge society.
Conceptual Explanation
The Pulitzer Prizes were created in 1917 by the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a well-known newspaper publisher. He wanted to reward people who used words, facts, and creativity to help make the world a better place.
The prizes are given by Columbia University in New York City and are considered a top honour, especially in American media and literature.
There are 23 categories, grouped into four main areas:
- Journalism
- Books and Literature
- Drama
- Music
Each winner receives:
- A gold medal (for public service in journalism)
- A cash prize
- Recognition as a leader in their field
Fields in Which Pulitzer Prizes Are Given
1. Journalism (15 categories)
These awards celebrate news reporters, photographers, and editors who inform the public and hold the powerful accountable.
- Public Service – The Washington Post (2022) for coverage of the U.S. Capitol attack
- Breaking News Reporting – Miami Herald (2021) for Surfside condo collapse
- Investigative Reporting – The New York Times (2020) for exposing COVID-19 nursing home deaths
- Feature Photography – Reuters (2022) for images from Afghanistan
- Editorial Cartooning – Fahmida Azim (2022) for human rights artwork
2. Books and Literature (5 categories)
These awards go to authors for fiction, non-fiction, history, biography, and poetry.
- Fiction – Colson Whitehead (*The Nickel Boys*, 2020)
- Non-fiction – Anne Applebaum (*The Twilight of Democracy*, 2021)
- History – Nikole Hannah-Jones (*The 1619 Project*)
- Biography – Robert Caro (*The Years of Lyndon Johnson*)
- Poetry – Jericho Brown (*The Tradition*, 2020)
3. Drama (1 category)
Given for an original American play, often performed on stage.
- A Strange Loop by Michael R. Jackson (2020)
- Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury (2019)
- Rent by Jonathan Larson (1996)
4. Music (1 category)
Awarded for a musical composition by an American, often classical or jazz.
- Raven Chacon (2022) – Voiceless Mass
- Kendrick Lamar (2018) – DAMN.
- Caroline Shaw (2013) – Youngest winner in music
Why the Pulitzer Prizes Matter
- They reward truthful journalism and artistic excellence
- Winners influence public opinion and inspire creativity
- They defend free speech and expression in a democracy
Summary
The Pulitzer Prizes honour the best in journalism, books, plays, and music. They celebrate the people who help us understand the world, express ideas, and tell stories that shape society. Winning a Pulitzer is a high honour that can change a career—and inspire a generation.
