Pulitzer Prize For Arts and Letters

Winners

1985 - Present
1965 - 1984
1945 - 1964
1917 - 1944

In 1904, Joseph Pulitzer wrote his will, a will establishing what would become the Pulitzer Prizes, one of the most prestigious awards in journalism and literature. His will provided for four awards in journalism, four in arts and letters, one for education and four traveling scholarships.

For the arts and letters prizes, he established the categories of American novel, original American play performed in New York, history of the United States, and an American biography.

Pulitzer's will established a board that would have the power to expand awards or to refuse to give one if nothing met the standards of excellence.

The prizes are announced each year in April. Judges are assigned to juries which consider nominations in each of the (currently) 21 categories. The jury members examine every nomination and make a decision.

For the drama category, judges attend performances of the play, though the award itself goes to the playwright.

Each jury nominates three entries to the Pulitzer Board which then votes on the award for each category.

Winners receive medals and cash awards.