New York — Percival Everett has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel “James,” a thought-provoking reinterpretation of Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn,” narrated from the perspective of Jim, Huck’s enslaved companion. The prestigious announcement was made as part of the 2025 Pulitzer Prizes, which recognize excellence in various disciplines, including journalism, literature, drama, and music.
Everett’s work sheds light on complex themes of race and freedom, inviting readers to engage in a deeper understanding of historical narratives. This year’s ceremony also acknowledged the contributions of various artists and journalists, such as Ann Telnaes, a former cartoonist for The Washington Post who recently resigned amid controversy over her critique of media biases.
Beyond literary accolades, the awards highlighted significant journalistic endeavors, particularly in response to the growing fentanyl crisis affecting communities across the United States. Among the winners were teams recognized for their in-depth investigative reporting, including a notable feature by ProPublica that examined the tragic consequences of delayed medical care for pregnant women due to restrictive abortion laws.
Pulitzer administrator Marjorie Miller opened the ceremony by addressing the challenges facing contemporary journalists. She remarked on the pervasive financial strains, increasing layoffs, and the ongoing threats to journalistic integrity, including legal harassment and censorship. Miller emphasized the courage reflected in this year’s winners, noting their commitment to impactful storytelling.
Several major prizes were awarded in journalism categories. ProPublica won for Public Service, while The Washington Post received recognition for Breaking News Reporting covering an assassination attempt on a political candidate. Investigative Reporting honors went to Reuters for exposing lax regulations that allowed fentanyl to proliferate in the U.S., demonstrating the intersection of law and public health.
Other notable works included a gripping examination of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan by New York Times writers and an emotional portrait of a small-town pastor that received accolades in Feature Writing. The multimedia efforts of The New Yorker were also celebrated for their innovative approach to audio reporting, delivering compelling narratives that delve into the complexities of military and civilian life.
In poetry and nonfiction, several authors were recognized for their skillful storytelling. Marie Howe’s “New and Selected Poems” explores themes of shared human experience, while David Greenberg’s biography of civil rights leader John Lewis offers a fresh perspective on the activist’s later years amid a resurgence in social justice movements.
The awards also acknowledged historical contributions, including a special citation honoring the late Chuck Stone, celebrated for his groundbreaking work covering the Civil Rights Movement and for his role in fostering diversity in journalism.
As the event concluded, it reaffirmed the Pulitzer’s commitment to honoring voices that challenge, inspire, and engage the public. As society faces complex issues and evolving narratives, this year’s winners exemplify the power of storytelling in driving meaningful discourse and fostering understanding.