Full Breakdown
Finalists Announced for J. Anthony Lukas Prizes
2/20/2026, 12:15:59 AM
Overview of the Finalists
The Columbia Journalism School and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University have announced the finalists for the J. Anthony Lukas Prizes, which honor works that exemplify literary excellence and thorough research. This year's nominees include a biography of James Baldwin, a poignant exploration of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and a historical narrative inspired by a 19th-century photograph of a Native American girl.
Notable Entries in the Lukas Book Prize
Among the finalists for the $10,000 Lukas Book Prize is Danielle Leavitt's “By the Second Spring: Seven Lives and One Year of the War in Ukraine.” This work is recognized for its literary grace and commitment to serious research, providing a deep and personal insight into the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Other nominees in this category include Bench Ansfield's “Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City,” Rich Benjamin's “Talk to Me: Lessons from a Family Forged by History,” Mariah Blake's “They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals,” and Jeff Hobbs' “Seeking Shelter: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America.”
Historical Perspectives in the Mark Lynton History Prize
Nicholas Boggs' “Baldwin: A Love Story,” which has received significant acclaim, is a finalist for the $10,000 Mark Lynton History Prize. Other contenders include Martha A. Sandweiss' “The Girl in the Middle,” based on an 1868 photograph of a Native girl, Sven Beckert's “Capitalism: A Global History,” William Dalrymple's “The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World,” and Siddharth Kara's “The Zorg: A Tale of Greed and Murder That Inspired the Abolition of Slavery.”
Work-in-Progress Prizes
The Lukas project also announced finalists for the Work-in-Progress Prizes, with two winners set to receive $25,000 each. The nominees for this category include Bryce Andrews' “Seaworthy,” danah boyd's “Data Are Made, Not Found,” Esmé E. Deprez's “Inviting Death In,” Sarah Esther Maslin's “Nothing Stays Buried,” and Karim Zidan's “In the Shadow of the Cage.”
Significance of the Lukas Prizes
Founded in 1998, the J. Anthony Lukas Prizes have recognized influential works in journalism and literature, with previous winners including notable figures such as Robert Caro, Jill Lepore, and Samantha Power. The awards aim to highlight the importance of investigative journalism and storytelling in contemporary society.
Conclusion
The finalists for the J. Anthony Lukas Prizes reflect a diverse range of topics and narratives, from the personal impacts of war to historical explorations of identity and society. The winners will be announced in the coming months, continuing the legacy of honoring excellence in journalism and literature.
