The highest award for poetry is arguably the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, which has been awarded to esteemed poets since 1922. Established in 1916 by American journalist and publisher Joseph Pulitzer, the Pulitzer Prize is managed by two organizations in the United States—Columbia University and the Pulitzer Foundation. The winners of the Pulitzer Prize are celebrated around the world for their contribution to the field of literature and poetry.
This prestigious annual award is given to any poet, regardless of their nationality, who has written an original work of excellence. The recipient of the award receives an award of $15,000, along with a certificate. The award is also televised on national television, providing an opportunity to reach an even larger audience.
In order to apply for the award, applicants must submit at least three original works of poetry to the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry Board. The works must have been published in the United States during the previous calendar year. Additionally, the works must be the work of one single author, not a compilation of the work of multiple authors. The board then selects the most eligible works from a pool of entries, and the winner of the Pulitzer Prize is announced in April.
In the past, esteemed poets such as William Carlos Williams, Wallace Stevens, Robert Frost and Elizabeth Bishop have received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry since its inception in 1916. The award recognizes outstanding works of poetry, with the awards committee looking for works that “embody some excellence of imagination, and express emotions in language distinguished by strength, beauty, and correctness”.
In the past few decades, the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry has made a concerted effort to keep the award accessible to emerging poetic talent. The prize committee has widely sought out submissions from writers of color, LGBTQT+ writers and writers from Indigenous or minority backgrounds. The Foundation has also encouraged emerging writers to submit works, and past winners are often mentor’s to the upcoming generation of poets. This has made the award widely recognized and celebrated around the world.
Prize-Winning Poets
The list of past winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry is an impressive one. In 2020, poet Fouad Riad received the award for ‘Persephone in the Late Anthropocene’, a collection of poems which addresses cultural and ecological issues in an emotionally-charged way. In addition to this, poet Tracy K. Smith was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2012 for ‘Life on Mars’, an album of poems which explores mortality and the universe. Other previous winners of the award include C.K. Williams, Gary Snyder and W.S. Merwin.
These prize-winning poets have all been celebrated for their innovative approach to the poetic form, and their willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Their works often challenge societal perceptions and focus on difficult topics such as the environment, gender and mental health. Through their works, the poets offer insight and a unique point of view into the global conversation around these topics.
The work of the Pulitzer Prize winning poets is incredibly important, and serves to inspire and encourage a new generation of poets. The award also serves as an important benchmark for excellence in poetry, and celebrates the achievements of talented poets around the world.
The Impact of the Prize
The Pulitzer Prizes are seen as some of the most prestigious literary awards in the world, and winning one is seen as a major achievement by many. This is due to the fact that those awarded the prize are some of the most admired poets of their time. The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, in particular, serves as a stark reminder of the immense power of the literary form, and of the impact that great poetry can have.
Winning the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry can be hugely beneficial for any poet. Not only are the recipients honored for their work, but it can also lead to other career opportunities in the form of book deals and increased book sales. This ensures that the work of the poets is more widely read and appreciated, and can lead to greater recognition and financial stability.
The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry also serves a wider purpose— highlighting the importance of poetry and the literary form in our society. The award celebrates the unique and innovative writing styles of poets and serves to show the wider world the creative and powerful potential of the written word.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry follows a rather complex procedure. Each year, the Pulitzer Prize Board evaluates the works submitted and selects the most outstanding works according to the criteria outlined by the Pulitzer Foundation. The board is made up of 15 members, who then choose three finalists. The winner is then chosen by the jury who reads and evaluates each poem in-depth. The jury consists of five members of the Pulitzer Prize Board and two external poets, who are chosen for their expertise and knowledge in the field of poetry.
The selection process for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry is known to be very stringent and detail oriented. Each work of poetry is carefully read and evaluated by members of the board and by external jurors. This ensures that the award is given to the most deserving poet, and maintains the prestige of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
The selection process for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry also serves to ensure that the award remains open to emerging talents. The board actively encourages submissions from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds, providing an opportunity to expose and celebrate the works of up and coming poets.
Conclusion
The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry is one of the most important awards in the literary world. It serves to recognize and congratulate poets around the world for their excellent works, and provides a platform for emerging writers to showcase their talent. The award is a powerful reminder of the impact that poetry can have, and highlights the innovative possibilities of the written word.
