PLEASE NOTE: Due to the uncertainty of the current state of the world, a number of contest deadlines and details were unavailable as of press time. In such cases, the approximate timeline is listed. As always, confirm any and all deadlines or entry fees on the appropriate website before submitting. Good luck!
National Cartoonist Society Divisional Reuben Awards
Deadline: January 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.nationalcartoonists.com/awards/guidelines/
The NCS has thrown open their annual awards to any professional cartoonist—not just NCS members. For Editorial Cartoons submit exactly 8 samples of 2020 published work (published in print or online by a third party client with proof of date) with bio and entry forms to their respective recipient. (UPDATE: The NCS is still unsure of when they will hold their awards this year, and still don’t have a hard deadline. Check their site often if you’re interested.) No entry fee.
National Newspaper Awards (Canada)
Deadline: January 9, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.nna-ccj.ca
Open to cartoons appearing in daily Canadian newspapers (or their online editions) in 2020. Entry fee: $50
The Pulitzer Prize
Deadline: Last full week of January 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.pulitzer.org
Awarded for a distinguished drawing or portfolio published during 2020. $75 entry fee. Please check the Pulitzer site for new rules for cartooning for 2021.
The “Best Cartoon” Award (formerly the THOMAS NAST Award)
Deadline: January 31, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.opcofamerica.org/
Annual award from the Overseas Press Club of America for “best cartoon” on international affairs published during 2020 in a U.S.-based publication or for a U.S.-based audience. $200 entry fee. Patricia Kranz notes, “If it is difficult for you to pay the full $200 entry fee, contact me at patricia@opcofamerica.org about assistance.”
The Herblock Prize
Deadline: February 1, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.herbblockfoundation.org
Open to newspaper, magazine, syndicate or wire service cartoonists for work published in 2020 in the U.S. or its territories, or in foreign editions of U.S.-based publications. No entry fee.
National Headliner Awards
Deadline: First week of February 2021
Rules and entry form available online: http://www.headlinerawards.org/entry/
Headliner competition is open to all material appearing in a paid-circulation publication or broadcast in the United States in 2020. Registration fee of $75 per entry. Please check their site for new rules.
Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award
Deadline: First week in February 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://rfkhumanrights.org/awards/book-journalism-awards
The RFK awards honor outstanding coverage of human rights and social justice issues, and the power of individual action in the United States and around the world, for work published in 2020. $75 fee required for each entry.
Sigma Delta Chi Award
Deadline: February 16, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.spj.org/a-sdx.asp
The award from the Society of Professional Journalists recognizes an editorial cartoonist published in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or on-line news site during 2020. $60 fee per entry for SPJ members or $100 fee for nonmembers.
Rex Babin Memorial Award for Excellence in Local Cartooning
Deadline: August 27, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://aaecrebuild.wpengine.com
The Babin Award is open to U.S. and Canadian cartoons who draw on local or state subjects that have a strong political or social impact, and show excellence in draftsmanship and ideas. For cartoons published between Sept. 2020 to Aug. 2021.
Clifford K. & James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons
Deadline: First Friday of October 2021
Rules and entry form available online: nationalpress.org/awards/clifford-k-james-t-berryman-award-for-editorial-cartoons/
The Berryman Award, given out by the National Press Foundation, is open to U.S.-based editorial cartoonists for work that exhibits power to influence public opinion, plus good drawing and striking effect.
The Grambs Aronson Award for Cartooning with a Conscience
A note on the website says “We are no longer accepting submissions until further notice.”
STUDENT AWARDS
Mark of Excellence Awards
Deadline: January 12, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.spj.org/a-moe.asp
Open to student cartoonists currently enrolled in college for work published in 2020. $10 entry fee for SPJ members, $20 for non-members.
The John Locher Memorial Award
Deadline: June 15, 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://locheraward.org/
The John Locher Memorial Award is a contest for aspiring cartoonists, ages 18-25, whose work demonstrates both clear opinions and strong artistry on political and social topics. Single panel, multi-panel, and animated editorial cartoons and comics will be accepted.
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartooning (Scholastic)
Deadline: Fall 2021
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.artandwriting.org/what-we-do/the-awards/guidelines-deadlines/
The Herblock Foundation is now working with Scholastic in offering a scholarship and award for student editorial cartoonists. Deadlines vary by region, so be sure to check out the website for details.
