Why being a Pulitzer finalist is not the same as being a nominee

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Pulitzer Prize is the most prestigious honor in American journalism, yet many authors and reporters misrepresent their status. While entrants often claim to be nominees, the Pulitzer Board clarifies that only those selected as finalists by the juries hold that title. Understanding this distinction is vital for true recognition.

Established by the will of newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, the prizes were first awarded in June 1917. Administered by Columbia University, the awards were initially funded by a $250,000 bequest. Today, the 23 categories cover journalism, arts, and letters, with the Public Service award—the only one granting a gold medal—widely considered the program's most coveted honor.

The selection process is rigorous and confidential. Each year, over 100 jurors are appointed to evaluate entries, which now include work from newspapers, magazines, and online-only news sources. These jurors nominate three finalists per category. The Pulitzer Prize Board then selects the winners by majority vote, though they retain the discretion to bypass nominations with a 75 percent majority or decline to issue an award entirely.

Confusion often arises regarding the term 'nominee.' The Pulitzer Board has explicitly cautioned against entrants claiming this title, noting that the term should only apply to those who reach the finalist stage. This distinction has been a point of contention; for instance, Bill Dedman noted in 2012 that some professionals used the term to promote their work, despite having only submitted an entry. The board began announcing finalists in 1980 to provide clarity.

The prizes have evolved significantly since their inception. Originally, the board resisted admitting magazines, leading to the creation of the National Magazine Awards in 1966. However, by 2016, magazine eligibility expanded to all journalism categories. Additionally, the monetary prize has grown over time, increasing from $10,000 to $15,000 in 2017. Despite their prestige, some historical figures, such as Colonel Robert R. McCormick of the Chicago Tribune, famously dismissed the awards as a 'mutual admiration society' and refused to compete for decades.

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