Two new Pulitzer Prize Winners were named Monday. Percival Everett received the 2025 award for Fiction for his novel "James." Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won the 2025 award for Drama for his play "Purpose."
Everett's win for "James" recognizes his 24th novel. Published in March 2024, the book has received previous recognition, including the National Book Award for fiction in 2024.
Finalists for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction included a work by Rita Bullwinkel, "Mice 1961" by Stacey Levine, and "The Unicorn Woman" by Gayl Jones.
Jacobs-Jenkins' win marks his first Pulitzer Prize, though he was previously a finalist for other works in 2016 and 2018. "Purpose" is described as a family drama centered on an influential Black American family.
The finalists for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama were "Oh, Mary!" by Cole Escola and "The Ally" by Itamar Moses.
"Purpose" received multiple nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards, including for Best Play. The play is currently running on Broadway after premiering in Chicago last year. A review of Purpose characterized the play as an "explosive" work.
In accepting the National Book Award last year, Everett commented on awards.
"For putting their reputations on the line here," Everett said, thanking the judges.