Sarah Howe has been awarded the Forward prize for best collection for her work *Foretokens*, which delves into themes of new parenthood, her father's death, and her mother's early life in Hong Kong. The announcement was made during a ceremony at London’s Southbank Centre, where Howe was recognized for her compelling portrayal of these topics and received a £10,000 prize.
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Howe, who was born in Hong Kong to an English father and a Chinese mother, previously gained acclaim for her debut collection, *Loop of Jade*, which won the TS Eliot prize. *Foretokens*, her second collection, was shortlisted for the 2025 TS Eliot prize, a decade after her first book's victory.
In a review for the Guardian, Rishi Dastidar described *Foretokens* as “a quite brilliant return,” highlighting Howe’s insightful approach to complex subjects like genetics and time, infused with a newfound rage that sharpens her explorations. Mónica Parle, co-executive director of the Forward prizes, praised the collection as “exceptional” and noted its enduring relevance even after ten years in the making.
Additionally, the ceremony recognized other poets: Nur Turkmani won the £5,000 Jerwood prize for best first collection for *October*, a poignant reflection on her experiences in Beirut amid various crises. Tara Bergin received the Forward prize for best single poem in written form for *The Fear*, while Scottish poet Biff Smith received the prize for best single poem in the performance category for *Dumbarton East*. Each of them received £1,000.
The judging panel, chaired by novelist Sarah Moss, expressed their appreciation for the enriching experience of engaging with poetry during challenging times. Established in 1992, the Forward prizes have honored renowned poets over the years, including Seamus Heaney and Ted Hughes, and last year marked the first occasion a single prize was jointly awarded.