About the Thurber Prize for American Humor
Awarded annually, the Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of the art of humor writing and cartooning in the United States.
The Thurber Prize is presented each year in James Thurber’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio. During this spectacular evening of humor, attendees are entertained with a host of hilarious surprises, including appearances from the finalists/winners.
The award show culminates with the announcement of the winners of the Thurber Prize for American Humor in Writing and Cartoon Art.
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2026 Thurber Prize for American Humor Award Show
May 7, 2026
Columbus, Ohio
Tickets for the 2026 Thurber Prize will go on sale in early 2026.
The Thurber Prize celebrates humor, writing, and cartoon art on a national scale. It is also a vital fundraiser for Thurber House. For over 41 years, Thurber House has been an inclusive, empowering, and joyful place for people to come together, learn from each other, express themselves, and return that positive impact to the world—this is our mission.
ABOUT THE Writing Award
The Thurber Prize for American Humor in Writing was initiated in 1997 and is awarded to one outstanding humor book each year. A committee of national judges selects three top finalists to appear at the annual award show, where the winner/winning book is crowned live. Past winners and finalists include Alexandra Petri, S.E. Boyd, Steven Rowley, James McBride, Damon Young, Simon Rich, Patricia Lockwood, Trevor Noah, Mike Birbiglia, Dave Barry, Alan Zweibel, David Sedaris, Jon Stewart and The Daily Show, Ian Frazier, and The Onion.
ABOUT THE Cartoon Art Award
The Thurber Prize for American Humor in Cartoon Art was initiated in 2024 in partnership with veteran New Yorker cartoonists Liza Donnelly and Michael Maslin. Each year, a national committee puts forward a slate of nominees, and a committee of judges selects one winner for this career achievement award. The winner and their work are celebrated at the annual Thurber Prize award show. Past winners include Paul Noth and Roz Chast.
Thank you to our major arts supporters:
Disclaimer:
Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by event and program speakers in all mediums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thurber House, its affiliates, or its staff/board.