The Poetry Society of America has announced John Haskell as the distinguished recipient of the 2026 Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award. This prestigious literary honor, bestowed by the renowned Poetry Society of America, recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of poetry, marking a significant moment in the upcoming 2026 literary calendar.
Haskell's selection for the Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award places him among a celebrated cohort of poets acknowledged for their exceptional talent and impact on contemporary verse. The annual accolade underscores the Poetry Society of America's ongoing commitment to championing poetic excellence and fostering literary achievement within the United States.
The announcement also highlighted a strong and diverse field of finalists who were considered for the 2026 award. These accomplished poets include Desirée Alvarez, Michael Dumanis, Arah Ko, Danielle Pieratti, Cintia Santana, and Melissa Studdard. Each of these individuals has contributed notably to the literary landscape, making their recognition as finalists a testament to their respective artistic merits.
Among the esteemed group of finalists, Danielle Pieratti received specific mention for her notable prior literary works. Pieratti's contributions to poetry include the acclaimed collections *Approximate Body* and *Fugitives*, further cementing her standing in the contemporary poetry scene. While specific details regarding the prize amount were not provided in the announcement, the Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award itself is recognized as a significant honor within the literary community, drawing attention to the winning poet and the vital role of poetry in culture.