The Pulitzer Prize is known for being perhaps the most prestigious award in all of journalism. However, there are more categories besides journalism; it extends to the literary world (as well as photography and even music).
Established by the visionary Joseph Pulitzer in 1917, the prize was crafted to honour exceptional achievements in journalism, literature, and the arts. Over its illustrious history, the Pulitzer Prize has evolved to encompass a broad spectrum of human endeavor, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human expression and inquiry.
Beyond its origins in journalism, the Pulitzer Prize has become a cornerstone of literary recognition, elevating authors to the pantheon of literary greatness. From novels that illuminate the human condition to poignant works of poetry that stir the soul, Pulitzer Prize-winning literature enriches our understanding of the world and ourselves. Moreover, the prize celebrates the power of storytelling to provoke thought, inspire change, and forge connections across diverse cultures and experiences. Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and its celebration of the written word, the Pulitzer Prize continues to shape the landscape of literature and journalism, honoring those who dare to challenge, enlighten, and inspire.
Recent winners include Barbara Kingsolver, Joshua Cohen, and Louise Erdrich. The list of well-respected and innovative authors who have the Pulitzer Prize on their mantle is immense, and with every new author added to that list, the award only grows in prestige.
2024 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction Winner
For 2024, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction has gone out to Jayne Ann Phillips for her novel Night Watch. She bested other formidable finalists Same Bed, Different Dreams by Ed Park and Wednesday’s Child by Yiyun Li to take home the award.
Set in West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum following the Civil War, Night Watch portrays the journey of a severely injured Union veteran, a 12-year-old girl, and her mother, who has endured long-term abuse at the hands of a Confederate soldier, as they strive to find healing and redemption.
Congratulations to Ms. Phillips for her big win! She is no stranger to major accolades, having won the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction in 1980 and the Heartland Prize in 2009.
For more on the Pulitzer Prize, please visit pulitzer.org. You can also see all of the other categories on their list of 2024 Pulitzer Prize Winners.