Poetry Foundation Awards $195,000 in 2026 Pegasus Awards

- Robert Pinsky: 2026 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, $100,000

- Luis J. Rodriguez: 2026 Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry, $25,000

- Nikki Grimes: 2027–2028 Young People's Poet Laureate, $50,000

- Jason Schneiderman: 2026 Pegasus Award for Poetry Criticism, $10,000

- Meg Day: 2026 Pegasus Poetry Book Prize, $10,000

Michelle T. Boone, President and CEO of the Poetry Foundation, noted the significance of this year's awards, which celebrate four decades of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and two decades of the Young People's Poet Laureate. "On behalf of the Poetry Foundation staff and trustees, I'd like to express our sincere congratulations and to welcome these five remarkable writers into the legacy of the Pegasus Awards," Boone stated.

The recipients will be honored at a private ceremony in Chicago in October 2026, followed by a public celebration, the 2026 Pegasus Awards Reading, scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the Poetry Foundation.

Robert Pinsky, former U.S. Poet Laureate, receives the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, which recognizes a living poet for outstanding literary achievement. First awarded to Adrienne Rich in 1986, the prize has maintained its status as one of the most prestigious poetry awards in the U.S. Pinsky is distinguished for his extensive contributions to poetry and criticism, including multiple awards throughout his career.

Luis J. Rodriguez is honored with the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry for his extensive work in administration, advocacy, and education. Rodriguez has played a significant role in community initiatives and the Chicano Movement, and his work includes founding Tia Chucha Press.

Nikki Grimes, celebrated for her contributions to children's literature, is named the Young People's Poet Laureate. Her career has garnered numerous accolades, including the Coretta Scott King Award, recognizing her dedication to writing poetry for young audiences.

Jason Schneiderman receives the Pegasus Award for Poetry Criticism for his book "Nothingism: Poetry at the End of Print Culture." The award honors exceptional critical literature published in the previous year.

Meg Day is awarded the inaugural Pegasus Poetry Book Prize for her manuscript "Sound Lasso." This prize, which recognizes unpublished poetry collections by poets over 40, includes a residency at Ragdale and highlights the importance of supporting new poetic voices.

The Poetry Foundation aims to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for the creation and sharing of poetry.