copyright Pulitzer.org
I don't follow the Oscars, EMMYS or AMAS, but I do get excited about the Pulitzers. Actually, competitions do have limitations and should not be considered the tell-tale measure of the field. However, the Pulitzers somehow standout as unique. To recognize outstanding contributions in journalism and art is to validate the dedication and energy that goes into producing meaningful stories and images. In photojournalism, the Pulitzer awards are the crowning jewel in the career for many who have committed their lives to the field. This year's awards are no exception to this rule of thumb.
Locally, the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography, was won by San Francisco Chronicle photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice. The Associated Press won for its photo coverage of the Iraq War. Deanne's photojournalism on Saleh, a young boy's struggle to overcome injuries suffered in a roadside bomb in the Iraq War, are powerful, insightful and deeply moving.
Romenesko on Poynter's Online Quicklinks is a great resource to follow up on all this year's winners. Here's a list of this year's Pulitzer winners. -- Public service -- the Los Angeles Times -- Breaking news reporting -- staff, the Star-Ledger, Newark, N.J.
-- Investigative reporting -- Nigel Jaquiss, Willamette Week, Portland,
Ore.
-- Explanatory reporting -- Gareth Cook, the Boston Globe
-- Beat reporting -- Amy Dockser Marcus, the Wall Street Journal
-- National reporting -- Walt Bogdanich, the New York Times
-- International reporting -- Kim Murphy, the Los Angeles Times, and
Dele Olojede, Newsday, Long Island, N.Y.
-- Feature writing -- Julia Keller, Chicago Tribune
-- Commentary -- Connie Schultz, the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer
-- Criticism -- Joe Morgenstern, the Wall Street Journal
-- Editorial writing -- Tom Philp, the Sacramento Bee
-- Editorial cartooning -- Nick Anderson, the Courier-Journal,
Louisville, Ky.
-- Breaking news photography -- the Associated Press staff
Source: Associated Press