Prix Pulitzer 2019: The Complete List Of Winners
The Pulitzer Prizes are among the most prestigious awards in the United States, recognizing excellence in journalism and the arts. Each year, the announcement of the winners is highly anticipated, marking the pinnacle of achievement for many professionals. The 2019 Pulitzer Prizes were no exception, celebrating outstanding work across various categories. For those who closely follow journalism, literature, and music, understanding who won and why is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize winners, offering insights into their remarkable contributions.
The Pulitzer Prizes, established by Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American journalist and newspaper publisher, have been awarded since 1917. The prizes aim to encourage excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition. Administered by Columbia University in New York City, the Pulitzer Prizes are awarded annually in twenty-one categories. Twenty categories are exclusively for works produced in the United States. The winners are chosen by an independent board of distinguished journalists and academics. The awards are announced each spring, generating significant media attention and public interest. The Pulitzer Prizes not only honor individual achievements but also serve as a benchmark for quality and integrity in the respective fields. Winning a Pulitzer can significantly boost a journalist's or artist's career, bringing recognition and opportunities. Furthermore, the awards often highlight important social and political issues, prompting national conversations and reforms. Each year, the Pulitzer Prizes continue to uphold their legacy of celebrating exceptional talent and impactful work.
Journalism Awards
In the realm of journalism, the 2019 Pulitzer Prizes honored several outstanding pieces that covered a range of critical issues, from investigative reporting to breaking news photography. These awards highlight the vital role journalists play in holding power accountable and informing the public.
Public Service
The Public Service award, considered the most prestigious in journalism, was awarded to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel for its coverage of the Parkland school shooting. The newspaper meticulously documented the failures of school and law enforcement officials before and after the tragic event. Their investigation revealed systemic issues that contributed to the severity of the shooting and prompted significant changes in school safety policies. The Sun-Sentinel's relentless pursuit of truth and accountability exemplified the highest standards of public service journalism. Their work not only shed light on the failures that led to the tragedy but also provided a platform for the victims and their families to share their stories and advocate for change. The impact of their reporting extended beyond the local community, influencing national debates on gun control and school safety measures. By exposing the truth and demanding accountability, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel demonstrated the crucial role of journalism in holding institutions responsible and protecting the public interest. Their commitment to uncovering the facts and giving voice to the voiceless earned them the well-deserved recognition of the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
Breaking News Reporting
The Breaking News Reporting award was given to the staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for their comprehensive and empathetic coverage of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting. Their reporting captured the immediate horror and chaos of the event, as well as the community's resilience and unity in the aftermath. The Post-Gazette's coverage included in-depth profiles of the victims, stories of heroism, and investigations into the shooter's background and motives. Their work provided a crucial public service by documenting the tragedy and its impact on the community. The staff worked tirelessly to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in their reporting, understanding the profound emotional toll the event had on the community. They also provided resources and information to help those affected by the tragedy, further demonstrating their commitment to serving the public. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's dedication to responsible and impactful journalism earned them the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting, recognizing their outstanding efforts in covering a devastating event with compassion and integrity.
Investigative Reporting
The Investigative Reporting award was shared by two outstanding works. First, Matt Hamilton, Harriet Ryan, and Paul Pringle of the Los Angeles Times were recognized for their investigation into a University of Southern California gynecologist accused of abusing hundreds of patients. Their reporting exposed a pattern of misconduct and a failure by the university to protect its students. The investigation led to the doctor's termination, multiple lawsuits, and a broader reckoning with issues of sexual abuse in higher education. Their relentless pursuit of the truth and commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable exemplified the highest standards of investigative journalism. Second, the staff of The Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were honored for their investigation into the state's discriminatory jury system. Their reporting revealed how outdated laws and practices systematically excluded African Americans from serving on juries, undermining the principles of justice and equality. The investigation prompted legislative reforms and a renewed focus on ensuring fair representation in the jury system. Both of these investigations demonstrated the power of journalism to uncover injustice and drive meaningful change.
Explanatory Reporting
The Explanatory Reporting award was presented to the staff of The New York Times for their series of stories that comprehensively explained the financial dealings of President Donald Trump and his family. Their reporting shed light on complex financial transactions, tax avoidance schemes, and potential conflicts of interest. The New York Times' meticulous research and clear presentation of the information provided readers with a deeper understanding of the president's financial background. Their work was praised for its depth, accuracy, and impact on public discourse. The reporters sifted through thousands of documents and conducted countless interviews to piece together a comprehensive picture of the Trump family's finances. Their reporting not only informed the public but also prompted investigations and legal challenges. The New York Times' commitment to uncovering the truth and providing clear, accessible explanations earned them the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting, recognizing their outstanding contribution to public understanding.
Local Reporting
The Local Reporting award was given to Lisa Gartner, Sarah Silliman, and Kathleen McGrory of the Tampa Bay Times for their investigation into a troubled local school district that neglected impoverished children. Their reporting uncovered systemic failures, mismanagement of funds, and a lack of accountability. The investigation led to significant reforms and a renewed focus on providing quality education to disadvantaged students. The Tampa Bay Times' commitment to uncovering the truth and advocating for the vulnerable members of their community exemplified the highest standards of local journalism. Their reporting not only exposed the problems but also offered solutions and prompted action. By shining a light on the issues, they helped to create a more equitable and just education system for all students. The Tampa Bay Times' dedication to local reporting earned them the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing their outstanding contribution to the community.
National Reporting
The National Reporting award was given to the staff of The Wall Street Journal for their coverage of President Donald Trump's secret payments to two women during the 2016 presidential campaign. Their reporting revealed the details of the payments, the efforts to conceal them, and the potential legal implications. The Wall Street Journal's investigation shed light on a significant aspect of the 2016 election and raised important questions about campaign finance and presidential conduct. Their work was praised for its accuracy, thoroughness, and impact on public discourse. The reporters worked diligently to verify the information and present it in a clear and unbiased manner. Their reporting not only informed the public but also prompted investigations and legal challenges. The Wall Street Journal's commitment to uncovering the truth and holding power accountable earned them the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, recognizing their outstanding contribution to public understanding.
International Reporting
The International Reporting award was presented to Maggie Michael, Maad al-Zikry, and Nariman El-Mofty of the Associated Press for their coverage of the war in Yemen. Their reporting exposed the widespread human rights abuses, the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, and the role of various international actors. The Associated Press' coverage provided a crucial window into a conflict that was largely ignored by the international community. Their work was praised for its courage, compassion, and impact on raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The reporters risked their lives to document the suffering of the Yemeni people and to hold those responsible for the abuses accountable. Their reporting not only informed the public but also prompted calls for diplomatic intervention and humanitarian aid. The Associated Press' dedication to international reporting earned them the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing their outstanding contribution to global understanding.
Feature Writing
The Feature Writing award was given to Hannah Dreier of ProPublica for her poignant and deeply empathetic portrayal of a young Salvadoran immigrant living on Long Island who is caught between two worlds. Her writing captured the struggles, hopes, and dreams of a young person navigating the complexities of immigration and identity. Dreier's work was praised for its sensitivity, nuance, and ability to connect with readers on a human level. She spent months getting to know her subject, building trust and gaining a deep understanding of her experiences. Her writing not only informed the public but also fostered empathy and understanding. Hannah Dreier's exceptional storytelling earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing, recognizing her outstanding contribution to the art of narrative journalism.
Commentary
The Commentary award was presented to Brent Staples of The New York Times for his powerful and insightful essays on race in America. His essays explored the history of racial injustice, the persistence of discrimination, and the challenges of achieving racial equality. Staples' writing was praised for its honesty, clarity, and ability to provoke thought and discussion. He drew on his own experiences and observations to provide a unique perspective on the issue of race. His essays not only informed the public but also challenged them to confront their own biases and assumptions. Brent Staples' exceptional commentary earned him the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing his outstanding contribution to public discourse.
Criticism
The Criticism award was given to Carlos Lozada of The Washington Post for his insightful and thought-provoking book reviews. His reviews covered a wide range of topics and genres, from politics and history to literature and culture. Lozada's writing was praised for its intelligence, wit, and ability to engage with complex ideas. He approached each book with an open mind and a critical eye, providing readers with a balanced and insightful assessment. His reviews not only informed the public but also stimulated intellectual discussion. Carlos Lozada's exceptional criticism earned him the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the world of letters.
Editorial Writing
The Editorial Writing award was presented to the staff of The Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for their powerful and persuasive editorials calling for reforms to the state's criminal justice system. Their editorials highlighted the injustices and inequities of the system and offered concrete proposals for change. The Advocate's editorials were praised for their clarity, conviction, and impact on public policy. They not only informed the public but also influenced lawmakers and policymakers. The Advocate's dedication to editorial writing earned them the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing their outstanding contribution to the cause of justice.
Editorial Cartooning
The Editorial Cartooning award was given to Darrin Bell, a freelance cartoonist, for his insightful and often humorous cartoons that addressed a range of social and political issues. His cartoons were praised for their wit, creativity, and ability to provoke thought and discussion. Bell's work appeared in various publications and online platforms, reaching a wide audience. His cartoons not only entertained the public but also challenged them to think critically about the world around them. Darrin Bell's exceptional editorial cartooning earned him the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the art of satire.
Breaking News Photography
The Breaking News Photography award was given to the photography staff of Reuters for their compelling and dramatic images of migrants traveling to the United States from Central America. Their photographs captured the hardships, struggles, and hopes of the migrants as they made their way north. The Reuters' photography was praised for its power, empathy, and ability to convey the human dimension of a complex issue. Their images not only informed the public but also moved them to action. The Reuters' dedication to breaking news photography earned them the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing their outstanding contribution to visual journalism.
Feature Photography
The Feature Photography award was presented to Lorenzo Tugnoli of The Washington Post for his poignant and intimate photographs of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. His photographs captured the suffering, resilience, and dignity of the Yemeni people in the face of war and famine. Tugnoli's photography was praised for its beauty, compassion, and ability to connect with viewers on a human level. His images not only informed the public but also inspired them to care. Lorenzo Tugnoli's exceptional feature photography earned him the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling.
Arts Awards
Beyond journalism, the Pulitzer Prizes also recognize outstanding achievements in the arts, including literature, drama, and music. These awards celebrate creativity, innovation, and the power of artistic expression.
Fiction
The Fiction award was given to Richard Powers for his novel "The Overstory." This ambitious and thought-provoking novel explores the interconnectedness of humans and nature, telling the stories of several characters whose lives are intertwined with trees. "The Overstory" was praised for its originality, scope, and powerful message about the importance of environmental conservation. Powers' writing is both lyrical and scientific, blending human drama with ecological insights. The novel's impact lies in its ability to change the way readers think about the natural world and their place in it. By weaving together multiple narratives and perspectives, Powers creates a rich and complex tapestry that celebrates the beauty and resilience of the natural world. "The Overstory" is not just a novel; it is a call to action, urging readers to protect the planet for future generations. Richard Powers' exceptional storytelling earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, recognizing his outstanding contribution to American literature.
Drama
The Drama award was presented to Jackie Sibblies Drury for her play "Fairview." This innovative and challenging play explores themes of race, identity, and perception in a provocative and unconventional way. "Fairview" begins as a seemingly conventional family drama but gradually reveals its deeper layers of meaning, confronting audiences with their own biases and assumptions. The play's structure and content are designed to challenge and provoke, inviting audiences to question their own perspectives on race and identity. Drury's writing is both intelligent and daring, pushing the boundaries of theatrical convention. "Fairview" is not just a play; it is a social commentary, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their society. Jackie Sibblies Drury's exceptional playwriting earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, recognizing her outstanding contribution to American theater.
History
The History award was given to David W. Blight for his biography "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom." This comprehensive and meticulously researched biography offers a fresh and nuanced portrait of one of the most important figures in American history. "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" explores Douglass's life and legacy in all its complexity, from his early years as a slave to his later years as an abolitionist, orator, and statesman. Blight's writing is both scholarly and accessible, bringing Douglass's story to life for a new generation of readers. The biography draws on a wealth of primary sources, including Douglass's own writings and speeches, to provide a detailed and nuanced account of his life and times. "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" is not just a biography; it is a historical masterpiece, shedding new light on one of the most important figures in American history. David W. Blight's exceptional scholarship earned him the Pulitzer Prize for History, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the understanding of American history.
Biography or Autobiography
The Biography or Autobiography award was presented to Jeffrey C. Stewart for his biography "The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke." This groundbreaking biography explores the life and legacy of Alain Locke, a philosopher, writer, and cultural critic who was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. "The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke" sheds new light on Locke's intellectual contributions and his role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the 20th century. Stewart's writing is both insightful and engaging, bringing Locke's story to life for a new generation of readers. The biography draws on a wealth of primary sources, including Locke's own writings and correspondence, to provide a detailed and nuanced account of his life and times. "The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke" is not just a biography; it is a cultural history, exploring the intellectual and artistic ferment of the Harlem Renaissance. Jeffrey C. Stewart's exceptional scholarship earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the understanding of American culture.
Poetry
The Poetry award was given to Forrest Gander for his collection "Be With." This collection of poems explores themes of love, loss, and grief in a lyrical and evocative way. "Be With" is praised for its emotional depth, its formal experimentation, and its ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. Gander's poetry is both intimate and universal, exploring the complexities of human experience with sensitivity and insight. The poems in "Be With" are not just words on a page; they are windows into the human heart, inviting readers to share in the poet's journey of grief and healing. Forrest Gander's exceptional poetry earned him the Pulitzer Prize, recognizing his outstanding contribution to American literature.
General Nonfiction
The General Nonfiction award was presented to Eliza Griswold for her book "Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America." This book explores the impact of fracking on a small town in Pennsylvania, telling the story of one family's struggle to survive in the face of environmental degradation and economic hardship. "Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America" is a powerful and moving account of the human cost of environmental destruction, highlighting the social and economic inequalities that plague America. Griswold's writing is both compassionate and incisive, bringing the story of this small town to life for a wider audience. The book is not just a work of journalism; it is a social commentary, challenging readers to confront the consequences of their own consumption and the policies that prioritize profit over people. Eliza Griswold's exceptional reporting earned her the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, recognizing her outstanding contribution to public understanding.
Music
The Music award was given to Ellen Reid for her opera "p r i s m." This innovative and experimental opera explores the complexities of trauma and memory, using a combination of music, theater, and visual art to create a powerful and immersive experience. "p r i s m" is praised for its originality, its emotional depth, and its ability to push the boundaries of operatic convention. Reid's music is both haunting and beautiful, capturing the fragmented and disorienting nature of trauma. The opera is not just a work of art; it is a therapeutic experience, inviting audiences to confront their own experiences of trauma and to find solace in the shared human experience. Ellen Reid's exceptional composition earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Music, recognizing her outstanding contribution to American music.
Conclusion
The 2019 Pulitzer Prizes celebrated excellence across journalism and the arts. From investigative reporting that holds power accountable to artistic works that explore the depths of human experience, the winners exemplified the highest standards of their respective fields. These awards serve as a reminder of the importance of quality journalism and artistic expression in shaping our understanding of the world. By recognizing outstanding achievements, the Pulitzer Prizes continue to inspire and encourage excellence in these vital areas. The diverse range of winners and their impactful work reflect the rich tapestry of American culture and the power of storytelling to effect change.
