Pulitzer Day is a print publication’s version of The Oscars. This year’s ceremony was a celebratory afternoon mixed with poignant speeches, exhilarating wins, and, most importantly, recognition of the hard work and exceptional journalism that the newsroom and opinions staff produced over the last year.
Below are photos and videos from the day to give a behind-the-scenes look at how The Post recognized our staff and their award-winning work:
The staff that worked on the “American Icon” series celebrates their win.
Over 75 reporters, editors, and other staff members spent more than a year working on a series that analyzed the devastating role of the AR-15 in mass shootings and the forces that have turned this weapon into a cultural icon and one of the best-selling firearms in the U.S.
Editorial writer David Hoffman receives applause for his award in Editorial Writing.
His work helped many understand how a network of the world’s autocrats successfully shared silencing tools and tactics against political prisoners and dissidents, diminishing the scope of ordained rights.
In one of the more emotional speeches, Evgenia Kara-Murza, contributing columnist Vladmir Kara-Murza’s wife, accepted his award for Commentary, “I am truly heartbroken that Vladimir cannot be here today…I miss his voice so much. So I want to thank The Washington Post for making sure that the voice of Vladimir Kara-Murza is heard.”
India Bureau Chief Gerry Shih addresses the newsroom and congratulates his “Rising India, Toxic Tech” team for their finalist accolade in the International Reporting category, “[The Post] all came together and told stories about how democracy was being subverted in the world’s largest democracy.”
The team behind “Searching for Maura” celebrates their recognition in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category.
Visual enterprise editor Jenna Pirog on the Pulitzer nomination for ‘Searching for Maura’: “[We] recognized the opportunity to give back the agency [Maura] was denied in her death. Illustrations comics — they give us the freedom to show what has been lost to history.”
Newsroom leaders look on during the award announcements.
Earlier in the afternoon, opinions editor David Shipley discussed the difficulty of celebrating Vladimir Kara Murza’s Pulitzer win, “It is hard not to separate Vladimir’s work and his life—especially when both are infused with clarity, insight, courage, and moral authority. They are integrated, and they tell a truth that has withstood assaults few of us can imagine.”
Some of the many staff members on the “American Icon” series gather for a photo next to the newsroom’s Pulitzer wall.
Investigations editor Peter Wallsten said, “It demonstrated what we can accomplish when we dedicate ourselves to immersive visual storytelling… We were willing to take the risk when the moment was right.” This was the second year Wallsten helped shepherd a major project to a Pulitzer win; the year prior, he worked with Caroline Kitchener to shape her coverage of the fall of Roe v. Wade.
The thoughtful collaboration, diligent reporting and remarkable journalism that embodies working in The Post’s newsroom exists each and every day of the year. However, on Pulitzer day, receiving acknowledgement of that effort is a powerful reminder of our impact.
