NEW YORK CITY: The Pulitzer committee announced the winners of the 100th annual Pulitzer Prizes at Columbia University on April 18. In the drama category, Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda received the top honor, along with a $10,000 cash prize. The finalists for the drama prize were Gloria by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and The Humans by Stephen Karam.
Hamilton, a hip-hop musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton, had its world premiere at the Public Theater in 2015. The same production is currently running at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. Hamilton is the ninth musical to ever win the Pulitzer. Miranda was previously a Pulitzer finalist in 2009 for In the Heights, the musical he created with Quiara Alegría Hudes (who later won a Pulitzer in 2012).
“It is a tremendous honor to even be considered for this very prestigious award. Quiara and I were elated to have been recognized as finalists for In The Heights, so to win today for Hamilton is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Miranda in a statement. “This award is for everyone who has been a part of Hamilton’s six-plus year journey. To be the ninth musical to ever win the Pulitzer Prize for drama in its 100 year history is truly humbling for all of us. For Hamilton to now be in the same company as Of Thee I Sing, South Pacific, Fiorello!, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Chorus Line, Sunday in the Park with George, Rent, and most recently Next to Normal is outside of our own comprehension. Look at where we are. Look at where we started.”
Gloria had its world premiere at the Vineyard Theatre in 2015. The play follows a group of editorial assistants at a high-profile magazine in Manhattan who will do anything to rise to the top.
The Humans is about a family from Pennsylvania who travels to New York City to celebrate Thanksgiving at their daughter’s apartment. The play had its world premiere at American Theater Company in Chicago in 2014, and is currently running on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre. Karam’s previous play, Sons of the Prophet was a Pulitzer finalist in 2012.
The Pulitzer Prize was established in 1917 by Joseph Pulitzer and recognizes achievements in journalism, literature, drama and music composition. This year’s committee evaluated a total of 3,000 entries. The award is administered by Columbia University.
