Open Call for Maria Moors Cabot Prizes

Deadline: 12-Mar-2026

The Maria Moors Cabot Prizes honor journalists and news organizations whose sustained, courageous reporting has strengthened Inter-American understanding and defended press freedom across the Western Hemisphere.

Winners receive a Cabot Medal and a $5,000 honorarium, with submissions open until March 12, 2026, and awards presented at Columbia University.

Overview

The Maria Moors Cabot Prizes are among the most prestigious international journalism awards recognizing excellence in reporting on the Americas.

The prize honors journalists and news organizations whose work has made a significant, long-term contribution to understanding political, social, economic, and cultural issues across the Western Hemisphere, while actively defending freedom of the press.

Established to celebrate sustained journalistic impact rather than single stories, the Cabot Prizes recognize career-defining bodies of work that deepen cross-border understanding in the Americas.

What the Prize Recognizes

The Cabot Prizes focus on journalism that demonstrates long-term commitment, courage, and regional impact.

Core Evaluation Criteria

• Exceptional and courageous journalism

• Sustained coverage of the Americas over time

• Commitment to the region’s most critical and underreported stories

• Contributions to pan-regional and inter-American understanding

• Active efforts to uphold and defend freedom of the press

Reporting may address politics, human rights, democracy, corruption, migration, climate, inequality, or other issues central to the Western Hemisphere.

Award Benefits and Recognition

What Winners Receive

• The Cabot Medal, a globally recognized journalism honor

• $5,000 honorarium

• Possible special citations in select cases

Award Ceremony

• Winners are announced in the summer

• A formal award ceremony is held in the fall

• The ceremony takes place at Columbia University’s New York campus

The prize offers both financial recognition and long-term professional prestige.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Journalists and Organizations

The Maria Moors Cabot Prizes are open to:

• Journalists working for media organizations, press associations, or news services based in the Americas

• Freelance journalists with a significant career focus on covering the Americas

• Journalists working across all media platforms, including:

  • Print

  • Broadcast (radio and television)

  • Digital and online journalism

Individuals and Organizations

• Individual journalists are especially encouraged to apply or be nominated

• News executives and media organizations may also be considered

Eligibility is based on career impact and contribution, not nationality.

Selection and Judging Process

The selection process is rigorous and independent.

How Winners Are Selected

• A Cabot Board and Selection Committee composed of journalists and educators with expertise in Western Hemisphere and Latin American affairs reviews submissions

• The process operates under the direction of the Dean of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism

• Final selections are made by the Trustees of Columbia University, based on the Dean’s recommendations

This multi-level process ensures credibility, independence, and high journalistic standards.

How to Apply or Nominate

Who Can Submit

• Journalists may nominate themselves

• Third-party nominators may also submit on behalf of a nominee

Required Submission Materials

A complete application or nomination must include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Academic background

   • Journalistic experience

   • Public service activities

   • Dates for all roles and achievements

2. Signed Statement or Nomination Letter

   • Describing the nominee’s contribution to inter-American understanding

   • Explaining the significance and impact of their work

3. Work Samples (5–10 items)

   • Curated, career-defining examples

   • Direct links where applicable

   • May include print, broadcast, or digital journalism

4. Letters of Recommendation (1–3 letters)

   • Explaining why the nominee is particularly deserving of the Cabot Prize

5. Supporting Materials

   • Submitted in approved digital formats only

Incomplete or improperly formatted submissions are not considered.

Key Dates and Timeline

• Submission deadline: March 12, 2026

• Winners announced: Summer 2026

• Award ceremony: Fall 2026 at Columbia University

Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials well in advance of the deadline.

Why the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes Matter

In an era of shrinking press freedom and rising threats to journalists, the Cabot Prizes play a critical role in defending independent journalism across the Americas.

Broader Impact

• Elevates journalism that crosses borders and languages

• Protects and celebrates press freedom in challenging environments

• Encourages sustained, in-depth reporting rather than episodic coverage

• Strengthens public understanding of shared regional challenges

The prize reinforces journalism’s role as a pillar of democracy in the Western Hemisphere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting fewer than five or more than ten work samples

• Including work that does not clearly relate to the Americas

• Failing to demonstrate long-term impact or sustained coverage

• Missing dates or key details in the CV

• Submitting materials in unapproved formats

Strong applications clearly connect journalistic work to inter-American understanding and press freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Maria Moors Cabot Prizes?

They are international journalism awards recognizing sustained excellence in reporting on the Americas and contributions to inter-American understanding.

Who can apply for the Cabot Prize?

Journalists, freelancers, news executives, and media organizations based in the Americas, across all media platforms.

Is self-nomination allowed?

Yes. Journalists may nominate themselves.

How much is the Cabot Prize honorarium?

Each recipient receives $5,000, along with the Cabot Medal.

How many winners are selected each year?

Multiple recipients may be honored, with additional special citations awarded in select cases.

When is the submission deadline?

The deadline for all submissions is March 12, 2026.

Where is the award ceremony held?

The ceremony takes place at Columbia University in New York City.

Conclusion

The Maria Moors Cabot Prizes recognize journalism that transcends borders, defends press freedom, and deepens understanding across the Americas.

By honoring sustained, courageous reporting and lifelong commitment to the region, the prize continues to set a global benchmark for impactful journalism in the Western Hemisphere.

For more information, visit Columbia Journalism School.