Pulitzer Prizes Highlight Democratic Resilience Across the Year
In every edition, the Washington Post carries a line that has become a rallying cry for many readers: Democracy dies in the dark. This year’s Pulitzer Prizes reaffirmed that truth by honoring essential reporting that revealed the dangers and consequences of events that shape American life. The publication’s coverage of the attack on the Capitol, and its impact on governance and public discourse, earned the public service prize for 2022—a distinction that sits among journalism’s most respected recognitions. Special mention was given to Ukrainian journalists, celebrated for courage, resilience, and commitment as a war raged in February.
The Washington Post received the public service Pulitzer for The Attack, a series presented in a deeply engaging interactive format. The reporters documented the motivations, costs, and fallout of the January 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, offering readers a comprehensive account of an event that many see as a turning point in American democracy.
The New York Times reinforced its influence in this year’s lineup, both within its domestic categories and on the international stage. The newspaper was recognized for a domestic investigation that examined the lethal outcomes of police encounters at traffic stops. In the international sphere, the prize highlighted reporting that exposed failures in warfare in the Middle East, including civilian casualties, underscoring journalism’s role in illuminating critical global issues.
Also noted was the coverage surrounding the fall of Kabul and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. A Los Angeles Times photographer earned a Pulitzer for compelling visual storytelling from the region, while Afghan journalists continued to risks to report on ongoing conditions at great personal cost.
In the breaking news category, the Miami Herald was lauded for reporting on the deadly collapse of a building in Surfside, Florida, marking a notable moment in U.S. event journalism. The Tampa Bay Times was recognized for reporting that exposed risks to workers and local communities associated with a lead-smelting plant, demonstrating journalism’s ability to connect local hazards to public health concerns.
Salamishah Tillet of The New York Times won a critics’ prize for thoughtful cultural commentary, and Andrea Elliott of the same newspaper received a Pulitzer for The Invisible Child, a nonfiction work about childhood and poverty framed by a long-running series of reports. The book shines a light on the struggles faced by vulnerable families, illustrating how investigative reporting can expand understanding of societal challenges.
In fiction, Joshua Cohen was honored for Netanyah(u)h, while Diane Seuss received recognition for her poetry. The drama prize went to Fat Ham, and Raven Chacon earned the music prize for Silent Mass, highlighting the breadth of storytelling across forms that the Pulitzer Prize seeks to celebrate.
Across these categories, the prizes illustrate how journalism and commentary can inform, challenge, and inspire readers across North America. The selections reflect a commitment to truth-telling, accountability, and the ongoing effort to document experiences that shape public life—from the daily realities of local communities to international crises—and they remind audiences that strong reporting remains essential to the health of democracy.