The 2025 Whiting Awards recently concluded with the announcement of the winners at a prestigious ceremony held at the New York Historical Society. The Whiting Foundation, responsible for hosting the event, honoured 10 outstanding writers at the 40th edition of the awards, recognizing their excellence and promise in the literary world.
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Among the winners in the fiction category were Elwin Cotman for ‘The Age of Ignorance’, Emil Ferris for ‘My Favorite Thing is Monsters’, Samuel Kọ́láwọlé for ‘The Road to the Sea’, Claire Luchette for ‘Agatha of Little Neon’, and Shubba Sunder for ‘Boomtown Girl, Optional Practical Training’. In the non-fiction genre, Aisha Sabatini Sloan was awarded for ‘Dreaming of Ramadi in Detroit’ and Sofi Thanhause for ‘Worn: A People’s History of Clothing’. The poetry category saw Annie Wenstrop win for ‘The Museum of Unnatural Histories’ and Karisma Price for ‘I’m Always so Serious’, while Liza Berenmeier clinched the drama category for ‘Dr. Ride’s American Beach House, Grief Hotel’.
Courtney Hodell, the Director of Literary Programs at Whiting, praised the winners for their remarkable talent and the unique narratives they have crafted. The award not only celebrates their current achievements but also offers them the opportunity to focus on their writing full time or explore new creative avenues.
Established in 1985, the Whiting Awards have since provided over $10 million to more than 400 recipients, including renowned writers like Colson Whitehead, Sigrid Nunez, David Foster Wallace, and Elif Batuman. The winners of the 2025 edition will each receive a cash prize of $50,000, supporting and encouraging their future literary endeavors.
The ceremony featured a keynote address from Ocean Vuong, a past recipient of the Whiting Award in 2016, along with speeches from other distinguished writers such as Alice McDermott, Jia Tolentino, Eduardo C. Corral, and James Ijames. Tony Tulathimutte introduced readings from the winners, adding a personal touch to the event by showcasing the talent of the honourees.
The Whiting Awards not only recognise talent but also celebrate diversity in the literary world. The winners represent a wide range of voices and perspectives, reflecting a deep understanding of history and a commitment to exploring its impact on society. The accolade aims to empower emerging writers and provide them with the support to continue shaping the literary landscape.
As the literary community applauds the winners of the 2025 Whiting Awards, the ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing new talent and fostering a culture that values creativity and innovation. The award continues to inspire writers to push boundaries, break new ground, and share their unique stories with the world, enriching the literary tapestry for generations to come.