The Poetry Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2026 Pegasus Awards, celebrating a diverse range of talent in the field of poetry. The announcement took place in Chicago, Illinois, on September 10, 2026, recognizing several prominent figures for their significant contributions to the art form.
The awards honored a variety of poets with substantial prizes. Among the recipients were Robert Pinsky, Luis J. Rodriguez, Nikki Grimes, Jason Schneiderman, and Meg Day. The recognition spans several categories, including the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, which carries a $100,000 award, and the Young People's Poet Laureate, which includes $50,000.
Other distinctions handed out during the announcement include the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry, valued at $25,000, as well as the Pegasus Award for Poetry Criticism and the Pegasus Poetry Book Prize, both of which carry $10,000 prizes. The ceremony highlights the foundation's commitment to honoring excellence and service within the poetic community.
The Pegasus Awards announcement coincides with a busy period for literary recognition globally. On the same day, Australia announced the winners of the 2026 Prime Minister's Literary Awards, where Ender Başkan won the poetry prize for the debut collection, "Two Hundred Million Musketeers." Additionally, in Cleveland, Ohio, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognized Gbenga Adesina with the poetry prize for "Death Does Not End at the Sea" earlier in the month.
These various international accolades underscore a significant season for poets, ranging from established figures receiving lifetime service awards to debut authors gaining major recognition on the global stage.