#United States #Chicago #Poetry Foundation #Pegasus Awards #Ruth Lilly Prize

The 2026 Pegasus Awards: A Celebration of Poetry

On September 10, 2026, the Poetry Foundation proudly announced the distinguished recipients of its esteemed 2026 Pegasus Awards. These awards, first established in 2004, celebrate excellence in poetry and have played a critical role in fostering literary talent across the United States. This year's ceremony holds particular significance as it not only marks four decades of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize but also commemorates two decades of the Young People's Poet Laureate and the inaugural Pegasus Poetry Book Prize.

Recognizing Excellence in Poetry

The 2026 Pegasus Awards feature various categories, honoring remarkable contributions to poetry craft, service, and criticism with a total monetary prize of $195,000. Each awardee is celebrated for their unique achievements, and the awards have become a prestigious highlight in the literary calendar.

Notable Recipients:

• - Robert Pinsky: An acclaimed figure in American poetry, Pinsky received the 2026 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, which awards $100,000 to a poet for outstanding literary achievement. With a career spanning decades, Pinsky served as a U.S. Poet Laureate and has received various honors, including the PEN/Voelcker Award and the William Carlos Williams Prize.

• - Luis J. Rodriguez: Awarded the 2026 Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry, Rodriguez has made significant contributions to poetry through various community initiatives and literary advocacy. His lifelong commitment to service in the arts earned him a $25,000 prize.

• - Nikki Grimes: Recognized as the Young People's Poet Laureate for 2027-2028, Grimes' career features over 100 works aimed at nurturing young readers. Her efforts are acknowledged with a $50,000 prize, aimed at promoting poetry initiatives for children, families, and educational institutions.

• - Jason Schneiderman: Honored for his critical work in poetry, Schneiderman was awarded the 2026 Pegasus Award for Poetry Criticism for his insightful book, "Nothingism: Poetry at the End of Print Culture." He received a $10,000 prize, recognizing the importance of critical discourse in the literary field.

• - Meg Day: Becoming the first recipient of the Pegasus Poetry Book Prize, Day was awarded for her manuscript "Sound Lasso." This prize not only includes a $10,000 award but also a residency at Ragdale, highlighting the foundations' commitment to nurturing emerging poets.

Celebrating Legacy and Future

Michelle T. Boone, the president and CEO of the Poetry Foundation, expressed her excitement about the honorees during the announcement, saying, "This year is special because it marks the incredible legacy that these prestigious awards encompass. It is an honor to celebrate these five remarkable writers who embody the spirit and excellence of poetry."

The recipients will be celebrated at a private ceremony later in October 2026 in Chicago, followed by a public event, the 2026 Pegasus Awards Reading, scheduled for October 23 at the Poetry Foundation. This free event invites poetry enthusiasts and the general public to witness and honor the achievements of these influential poets within their community.

With these awards, the Poetry Foundation continues its mission to amplify the voices of poets and foster an appreciation for poetry in everyday life. Through initiatives like the Pegasus Awards, the organization seeks to transform lives through the power of words, ensuring that poetry remains a vital part of cultural discourse and innovation.

This year’s ceremony not only commemorates the present achievements in the literary world but also encourages future generations to explore, create, and share in the beauty of poetic expression. As the 2026 Pegasus Awards approach, the anticipation of celebrating the diverse voices in poetry grows, reaffirming the foundation's commitment to enriching lives through verse.