The new year is here and that can only mean one thing — award season is upon us. Here are the deadlines and links to all the upcoming national contests editorial cartoonists can enter in 2020.
Please note: Some contest deadlines and details were not available as of press time. In such cases, the approximate date is listed. Always confirm any deadline, entry fee, or format requests on the appropriate website before submitting.
National Newspaper Awards (Canada)
Deadline: January 9, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.nna-ccj.ca
Open to cartoons appearing in daily Canadian newspapers (or their online editions) in 2019. Entry fee: $40
*NEW* National Cartoonist Society Divisional Reuben Awards
Deadline: January 23, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2019/12/20/ncs-divisional-reuben-awards-2019-call-for-entries/
While the Reuben is not a new prize, the National Cartoonist Society has only recently thrown open their annual awards to any professional cartoonist — not just NCS members. Editorial cartoonists should submit exactly 8 samples of 2019 published work (published in print or online by a third party client with proof of date) with bio and entry forms to the respective recipient. See the Daily Cartoonist link above for complete details. No entry fee.
The Pulitzer Prize
Deadline: 5pm EST, January 24, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.pulitzer.org
Awarded for a distinguished drawing or portfolio published during 2019. $75 entry fee. Please check the Pulitzer site for new rules for cartooning for 2020.
*NEW* Annual Cartoonist Studio Prize
Deadline: January 31, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://slate.com/culture/2019/12/cartoonist-studio-prize-2019-announcement-entry-forms.html
Each year Slate and the Center for Cartoon Studies gives two awards to work that exemplifies excellence in cartooning in print and online. While the award is not specifically for political cartooning, so what — if the Pulitzers can give an opinion award to what is clearly enterprise reporting, Slate can honor a collection of political work. No ENTRY fee.
The “Best Cartoon” Award (the Award formerly known as Thomas Nast)
Deadline: January 31, 2020
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 2019 in a U.S.-based publication or for a U.S.-based audience. $200 entry fee. Organizer Patricia Kranz notes, “If it is difficult for you to pay the full $200 entry fee, contact me at patricia@opcofamerica.org about financial help.”
Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN) Award
Deadline: Entry period opens in January 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://aan.org/aan-awards/
The AAN Awards recognize the best in alternative journalism and are a unique chance for the surviving alt-weeklies to compete directly against each other in cities across the continent. It’s like Thunderdome, just with more mohawks! Please check their site for submission changes and fees.
The Herblock Prize
Deadline: February 3, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.herbblockfoundation.org
Open to newspaper, magazine, syndicate or wire service cartoonists for work published in 2019 in the U.S. or its territories, or in foreign editions of U.S.-based publications. No entry fee.
Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award
Deadline: February 3, 2020
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 2019. $75 fee required for each entry. Check their site for new submission guidelines.
National Headliner Awards
Deadline: February 7, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.headlinerawards.org/entry/
Headliner competition is open to all material appearing in a paid-circulation publication or broadcast in the United States in 2019. Registration fee of $75 per entry. Please check their site for new rules.
Atlantic Journalism Awards (Canada)
Deadline: February 7, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://ajasonline.org/
Open to cartoons appearing in Atlantic Canada publications or online media in 2019. Entry fee: $65
International Editorial Cartoon Competition
Deadline: March 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://www.ccwpf-cclpm.ca/cartoon-contest/
A highlight of the World Press Freedom Day is the recognition of editorial cartoonists from around the world who have used images and words to make powerful commentary on world issues.
The Grambs Aronson Award for Cartooning with a Conscience
Deadline: Early February 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://brie.hunter.cuny.edu/aronson/?page_id=29
Open to editorial cartooning and graphic topical satire, including animations, that has appeared in print or digital media during 2019. Entrants should submit a portfolio of their best work, maximum 10 pieces. $30 fee for independent cartoonists, $55 for a publication.
Sigma Delta Chi Award
Deadline: February 18, 2020
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 2019. $60 fee per entry for SPJ members or $100 fee for nonmembers.
Rex Babin Memorial Award for Excellence in Local Cartooning
Deadline: August 28, 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://aaecrebuild.wpengine.com
The Rex Babin Award is open to U.S. and Canadian cartoonists who draw on local or state subjects that a) have a strong political or social impact and b) with excellence in draftsmanship and ideas. For cartoons published between September 2019 to August 2020.
Clifford K. & James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons
Deadline: First week of October 2020
Rules and entry form available online: https://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.
STUDENT AWARDS
The John Locher Memorial Award
Deadline: June 15, 2020.
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.
Mark of Excellence Awards
Deadline: January 14, 2020
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 2019. $10 entry fee for SPJ members, $20 for non-members.
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartooning (with Scholastic)
Deadline: Fall 2020.
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.
