Division 2 winners of SFJ 2025 Excellence-in-Features journalism awards
Contest graphics by Jim Haag
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Society for Features Journalism’s Excellence-in-Features contest!
Our judges fielded nearly 1,000 entries this year, so winners: Your work truly stood out. A huge congratulations to everyone who won!
This was the first year of our new division descriptions to be more inclusive of newsroom sizes and web-only publications. It was wonderful to see new entrants who may have inspired to enter because of the change.
We also introduced some new categories, including social media portfolios, and the entries did not disappoint.
The SFJ Board of Directors would like to thank the many judges who volunteered their time to help us celebrate the craft of storytelling.
Here are the winners in Division 2, along with judges’ comments about what made this year’s entries so special. First-place winners (except in Sweepstakes Awards) will receive a $300 prize.
Click here for the Division 1 winners and Division 3, Combined winners.
Once again, congratulations to all. We also send deep gratitude to everyone who entered the contest so that we may continue to host this celebration of excellent storytelling in journalism.
Read on to be inspired and amazed by your hardworking features colleagues!
DIVISION 2: Newspapers with between 51 and 200 full-time employees or magazines and web-only publications with a regional or statewide focus.
FINEST IN FEATURES SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS
These awards recognize the publications that garner the most honors in the contest’s other 21 categories. Points are awarded in this way: 20 for first, 15 for second, 10 for third and five for honorable mention.
First place: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Nineteen awards, including three firsts (General Feature – 999 Words Or Fewer, Sports Feature and Feature Beat Writing Portfolio), four seconds (FoodFeature, Feature Series or Project, General Commentary Portfolio, and Utility Feature Portfolio), eight thirds (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words, Arts& Entertainment Feature, Food Criticism, First-Person Narrative Essay, Sports Feature, Feature Writing Portfolio, Feature Beat Writing Portfolio and Utility Feature Portfolio) and four honorable mentions (Arts & Entertainment Feature, Food Feature, Inclusion & Representation in Features and Feature Beat Writing Portfolio)
Second place: The Baltimore Banner
Eight awards, including three firsts (Narrative Storytelling, General Commentary Portfolio and Social Media Portfolio), three seconds (GeneralFeature – 999 Words or Fewer, First-Person Narrative Essay and Food Writing Portfolio), one third (General Commentary Portfolio) and one honorable mention (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words)
Third place: Chicago Sun-Times
Seven awards, including three firsts (Arts & Entertainment Feature, Food Feature and Utility Feature Portfolio), two thirds (General Feature – 999 Words and Social Media Portfolio) and two honorable mentions (Feature Series or Project and Narrative Video)
Fourth place: The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer
Five awards, including two firsts (First-Person Narrative Essay and Feature Series or Project), one second (General Feature – 2,500-Plus Words), one third (Arts & Culture Criticism Portfolio) and one honorable mention (Narrative Storytelling)
GENERAL FEATURE – 2,500-PLUS WORDS
Excellent longform feature storytelling on topics such as A&E, lifestyles or news.
FIRST: Chanan Tigay, J. The Jewish News of Northern California, “Why Israel Turned to Archaeologists in Its Search for the Oct. 7 Missing”
Judge’s comments: This beautifully written story is one of the most haunting pieces I’ve read about Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. From the suspenseful account of a young couple being murdered in their safe room to the painstaking efforts of archaeologists to find even the tiniest bits of burned human remains for burial, this story kept me holding my breath on multiple occasions as it pulled me irresistibly toward its perfect ending. This quote from one of the archaeologists sums up the horror of what happened and the hopeful dignity of the survivors: “I felt that the entirety of my 30 years in this profession were only for this moment. Only for this event. I truly felt this. Everything I had done was pointing here – where I can solve this dilemma for people about what happened to their child.”
SECOND: Théoden Janes, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, “He Rides a BMX Bike All Over Charlotte, Every Day, With a Smile. Who Is This Mohawked Man?”
Judge’s comments: This might be the perfect feature story. In it, writer Théoden Janes helps readers get to know a longtime fixture in their community who has been a man of mystery to many. His name is William Glenn Bartley, and he’s portrayed this way: “Perhaps the best way to describe Glenn (heprefers his middle name) is like this: He’s not just A guy who rides all over the area on a kids’ BMX bike with a backpack on his back, a mohawk on his head, and a big, toothy grin often spread across his face. He’s THE guy.” The story of human connection and true friendship that unfolds as Janes’piece progresses is both moving and unforgettable.
THIRD: Jordan Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Tiny Homes, Big Ambitions: Can Austin’s Affordable Housing Experiment To AddressChronic Homelessness Provide a Blueprint for Pittsburgh?”
Judge’s comments: This feature exudes hopefulness, humanity and empathy. While exploring an approach to homelessness that’s working well inTexas, the piece shares forward-looking solutions that could be imitated and adapted in other parts of the country. The writing is clean, crisp and vivid, starting with the lede: “Blair Racine only wanted three things in a home: a sink, a toilet and a table.” What’s more, each person comes across as a three-dimensional human being – not a caricature or a spouter of platitudes.
Honorable mention: Hugo Kugiya, The Baltimore Banner, “Dundalk Was a Steel Town. When the Key Bridge Fell, So Did Its Legacy.”
GENERAL FEATURE – 1,000-2,499 WORDS
Top-notch feature storytelling on topics such as A&E, lifestyles or news.
FIRST: Lane DeGregory, Tampa Bay (Fla.) Times, “At a Florida Psychiatric Home of Last Resort, One Woman Works Her ‘Dream Job’”
Judge’s comments: This story is proof that a difficult, heartbreaking story of real consequence can be told in an engaging way. The piece doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly combination of mental health issues coupled with a lack of money and political will. The beautifully told tale is an indictment of society and asks difficult questions that have no good answers, but the reporter immersed herself so deeply in the story that she knew to ask them all.
SECOND: Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, “Street Medicine Team Brings Care to People Without Homes”
Judge’s comments: This reporter clearly spent significant time not only researching the nonprofit’s background but also walking the streets and engaging thepeople being helped. The result is a piece that is full of nice color and skillful writing.
THIRD: Daniel Neman, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “Up All Night: What To Do in St. Louis in the Wee Small Hours of the Morning”
Judge’s comments: What a fun read! The story shows what an investment of time and effort can produce: an intriguing portrait of a slice of the city that paints an evocative scene, alongside fantastic photos.
Honorable mention: Amy Joi O’Donoghue, Deseret News, “Melons and the Green River: Giving Life to a Rural Utah Town”
GENERAL FEATURE – 999 WORDS OR FEWER
Stellar short feature writing on topics such as A&E, lifestyles or news.
First place: Mike Wereschagin, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “ ‘You Have Blood Everywhere’: Member of Air National Guard Describes Trying To Save Man Killed at Trump Rally in Butler”
Judge’s comments: This story, which features excellent reporting and strong quotes, paints such a vivid scene that it makes me feel as though I were there.
Second place: Tim Prudente, The Baltimore Banner, “Baltimore, Please Try To Remember the 31st of September!”
Judge’s comments: This is a creative way to address an issue and tie it into previous stories. Not many reporters could attempt this.
Third place: Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times, “More Than Puppy Love: Frannie the Chihuahua Is Devoted to Hoffman Estates MailCarrier Dan Larsen – and Thanks to Social Media, the Whole World Knows”
Judge’s comments: This piece features strong quotes. And how could anyone not be moved by this friendship?
Honorable mention: Sarah Smith, Houston Chronicle, “A 79-Year-Old Houston Man Is Graduating From Texas A&M in Killeen This May – 50Years After He Started”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE
Feature treatment of an arts and entertainment topic.
FIRST: Lauren FitzPatrick, Chicago Sun-Times, “Mr. Duncan’s Disciples: He Was ‘Mr.’ Then and Still Is Now to Bronzeville High School Choir Alums, Who Embrace the Memories”
Judge’s comments: A wonderful deep dive into a rich history and lasting, meaningful legacy. The story’s origin – a $1 vinyl record that found just the right listener – makes it all the more sweet.
SECOND: Jasmine Osby, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “A Huge Hit Song Traces Back 20 Years to St. Louis. But Rapper J-Kwon Never Left the Scene.”
Judge’s comments: This story does something special: It looks at a familiar party song, a one-hit wonder, and paints a legacy that takes readers to unexpected places. It’s a great artist profile that has reach.
THIRD: Samuel Long, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “A Very Pittsburgh Mural Tour: By Bike or on Foot, Visit 17 Stellar Pieces That CallLawrenceville, the Strip and Downtown Home”
Judge’s comments: This is a massive undertaking, where many pieces gel to tell a robust story – much like their subjects do. The further you read, the more invested you get in this treasure trove of local art.
Honorable mention: Jeremy Reynolds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “The Other Carnegie Halls: An Elegy of Blood Money, Phantoms and Restoration”
FOOD FEATURE
A story focusing on food, excluding reviews or commentary.
FIRST: Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times, “Anyone for Chicken Feet-Flavored Lay’s? Whopper-Flavored Doritos? New Lincoln Park Snack Shop Has Opened on North Clark With an Eclectic Array of Items”
Judge’s comments: This is a fun story that draws readers in from the lede: “Ali Zaidi is a little bit Willy Wonka and a little bit, well, kid in a candy store.” The reporter plays with the candy theme without being too sugary: “Zaidi’s effervescence never fizzled during my 90-minute visit to his Lincoln Park shop.” The video is awesome – and extremely brave.
SECOND: Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Meet the Winemaker Behind the Samples Served at Penn Mac During theHoliday Season”
Judge’s comments: This piece features beautiful, vivid imagery. This passage welcomes readers into the story and makes them want to continue:“At the far end of the stone room, past boxes of paper products and bulk spices, dozens of carboys stacked on pallets and filled with jewel-colored wine await the amateur oenologist as he gingerly crosses the threshold.”
THIRD: Ian McNulty, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate | NOLA.com, “The Godfather of New Orleans Cocktails Is Now Chasing the Perfect Burger”
Judge’s comments: This feature shines with stellar writing. Love this line: “These days, that tale now has a direct correlation to the burgers coming from the Revel kitchen, which are themselves two-fisted tutorials on the essential beauty of a great burger.”
Honorable mention: Hal B. Klein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Pittsburghers Prepare To Take On the International Pizza Expo, With Camaraderie Baked In”
FOOD CRITICISM
A story, such as a restaurant review, that offers opinions about a topic or restaurant in the food industry.
FIRST: Michael Russell, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian, “Once a Month, Proletariat Butchery Makes Portland’s Best Burger”
Judge’s comments: This is a well-written and deeply reported ode to “Portland’s best burger” – and to the exacting butcher-proprietor who practically demands that patrons have it his way. The story’s delicious details trigger drool and a desire to hop a flight to Oregon for the once-monthly treat or at least to buy a flambadou to melt beef tallow – and not cheese – over our next burger.
SECOND: Mark Gauert, South Florida Sun Sentinel, “Hearing Things From Afar”
Judge’s comments: This is a punchy essay that uses an overseas trip to make trenchant observations about the writer’s local restaurant scene with a question that resonates loudly with many American diners: “WHY IS IT SO DARN NOISY THAT WE HAVE TO SHOUT TO OUR SERVERS AND EACH OTHER?” The piece is punctuated with nice turns of phrase and a good ear. In fact, you could say it is pitch-perfect.
THIRD: Sono Motoyama, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Has Primanti Bros. Lost Its Gritty Charm? ‘Almost Famous’ Sandwiches With Fries andColeslaw on Top Are Hard To Hold – and Give Away”
Judge’s comments: It takes a brave soul to do a takedown of a beloved local institution, but the writer – a newcomer to Pittsburgh no less – went ahead and did it. Judging by the reader comments, it seems she accurately and artfully hit on some uncomfortable truths. Making the critique more authoritative – and devastating – are the comparisons to properly executed frites-layered sandwiches in Europe.
Honorable mention: Mike Sutter and Salgu Wissmath, San Antonio Express-News, “Top 10 Korean Restaurants in San Antonio for 2024”
NARRATIVE STORYTELLING
A story told in a narrative style, using techniques such as character development, use of dialogue, sense of place, scene building, narrative arc and adherence to theme.
FIRST: Tim Prudente, Brenna Smith and Daniel Zawodny, The Baltimore Banner, “Down in That Metal Nightmare: Untold Stories of the Key Bridge Disaster”
Judge’s comments: This was a difficult topic – the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge – handled brilliantly. Love the snippet stories and photos, which portray chaos, fear, confusion and love. The snippets are a great way to enlighten without taxing readers. The story made me cry, and thereis no higher praise.
SECOND: Natalia Galicza, Deseret News, “What’s the Future of Solitary Confinement? Frank De Palma Spent a Third of His Life Alone. Researchers and Lawmakers Are Only Beginning To Understand What That Does to a Person”
Judge’s comments: This story features strong writing that humanizes a man who was incarcerated and shows how horrible solitary confinement can be. The gorilla illustration is particularly insightful.
THIRD: Courtney Crowder, Des Moines (Iowa) Register, “A Beloved Rural Iowa Diner Closes. A Family of Mexican Immigrants Reopens It – With A Twist.”
Judge’s comments: This story features a strong opening and does a nice job of leading readers through the restaurant’s legacy. The part about adding to the building’s decor rather than replacing it is a nice inclusion, and the ending is solid.
Honorable mention: Théoden Janes, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, “They Planned To Wed in NC on Nov. 9. Instead, in Helene’s Wake, There’ll Be Four Funerals.”
FIRST-PERSON NARRATIVE ESSAY
An essay or first-person story that demonstrates a sense of proportion and perspective.
FIRST: Théoden Janes, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, “While Looking for My Birth Family in Korea, I Discovered Something I Never Expected To Find”
Judge’s comments: This essay powerfully captures the writer’s emotional journey as an adoptee returning to Seoul. His reflections go beyond personal curiosity, revealing how identity is shaped not only by finding answers but also by forming human connections. The story’s depth, nuance and emotional range deliver on the category’s call for proportion, perspective and a compelling first-person narrative that resonates universally.
SECOND: Julie Scharper, The Baltimore Banner, “Saying Goodbye to a Catholic Church – and a Link to My Family’s Past”
Judge’s comments: This essay is a heartfelt goodbye to the church that shaped generations of the writer’s family. With emotion and honesty, she reflects on faith, loss and change – bringing depth and perspective to a deeply personal story.
THIRD: Kris B. Mamula, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “My Son’s Suicide”
Judge’s comments: This essay is a raw and compassionate reflection on the suicide of the writer’s son. With unflinching honesty, Kris B. Mamula explores grief, addiction and the connected crises of mental health and gun access with perspective and emotional clarity.
Honorable mention: Courtney Crowder, The Des Moines (Iowa) Register, “After Years of Infertility, I Was Finally Pregnant. Then Doctors Said There Was a Problem.”
INCLUSION & REPRESENTATION IN FEATURES
Revelatory storytelling on any lifestyle or culture topic that centers on historically marginalized or under-covered communities.
FIRST: Aisha Sultan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “A St. Louis Troop’s Breakup With Girl Scouts Leads to National Launch of Salam Scouts”
Judge’s comments: These well-written stories engage readers from the get-go and provide a glimpse at a community often overlooked.
SECOND: Gabe Stutman, J. The Jewish News of Northern California, “Tension Over Hiring an Israeli Counselor Roiled a Bay Area Music Camp and Ended Friendships”
Judge’s comments: This extremely well-done story explores the Israel-Gaza divide both thoughtfully and empathetically.
THIRD: Ken Makin, Ira Porter and Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, “Walking in the Path of the Harlem Renaissance,” “Comeback College: How Morris Brown Kept Its Doors Open” and “Pregnant Black Women Feel Lost in the Medical System. DoulasOffer Guidance – and a Voice”
Judge’s comments: This is a strong package, and the standout story of the bunch looks at Morris Brown College’s comeback from what was thought to be oblivion.
Honorable mention: Hal B. Klein, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Eat Pittsburgh: Beechview”
SPORTS FEATURE
Feature treatment of any sports topic.
FIRST: Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Rise and Grind: A Day in the Life of One of the WPIAL’s Rarest of Athletes – a Basketball Star and Swimming Record-Setter With a 4.0 GPA”
Judge’s comments: In a stacked field, Mike White rises to the top by doing what few can: gaining rare access to one of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League’s most elusive stars, Joseph Roth, a once-in-a- century talent. White’s immersive portrait of Roth’s daily grind – including getting scooped up for school, balancing books and backstrokes, and squeezing in stitches between slam dunks – is a master class in storytelling.
SECOND: Dennis Romboy, Deseret News, “The Fast and Curious World of Skijoring in the American West”
Judge’s comments: Skijoring? Never heard of it. Never thought I’d give it a second thought. But Dennis Romboy lays it out so vividly, I was reeled in by the first few grafs. Next thing I knew, I’d glided through the whole story without even realizing it.
THIRD: Christopher Carter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “How Pitt Goalkeeper Ellie Breech Saved Her Father’s Life With CPR After Receiving Training Inspired by Damar Hamlin”
Judge’s comments: Most sports fans know Damar Hamlin’s miraculous comeback from cardiac arrest. But writer Christopher Carter goes a step further in this story, showing how that moment rippled far beyond the field. His storytelling connects the dots to Ellie Breach, who was so moved that she learned CPR and later used it to save her father’s life. Carter didn’t merely report a story; he made it personal, powerful and impossible to forget.
Honorable mention: Doug Robinson, Deseret News, “ ‘He’s Been in Those Gritty Situations’: How Ed Eyestone Shapes, Builds and Coaches Champions”
FEATURES SERIES OR PROJECT
Feature treatment of any lifestyle, A&E or news topic that has multiple parts.
FIRST: Théoden Janes, Scott Fowler and Jeff Siner, The Charlotte (N.C) Observer, “9/11/74: The Untold Story of Charlotte’s Deadliest Plane Crash”
Judge’s comments: This series is the total package. Excellent storytelling and graphics give readers a deeper understanding of the tragedy, and interesting photography brings the piece to life. The reporters masterfully use countless interviews to construct this compelling narrative.
SECOND: Hal B. Klein and Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Pittsburgh Dumpling Project”
Judge’s comments: This series has everything. It’s part history lesson and part food guide, and it comes together beautifully.
THIRD: Doug MacCash, The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate | NOLA.com, “The Saga of Scrim, the Fugitive Dog That Stole New Orleans’ Heart”
Judge’s comments: These stories are proof that you can create a compelling series from a strong character. I was captivated from this first sentence: “Scrim is [owner Michelle] Cheramie’s Moby Dick.” The piece is fun and compelling, and I’ll never forget the viral video of the dog escaping.
Honorable mention: Amy Yee, Chicago Sun-Times, “To Reduce Elder Poverty, Keep Seniors Employed; As the U.S. Population Ages, Caregivers Need Support To Stay in the Labor Force; Illinois Law Gives Workers Protections From Employer Discrimination”
Honorable mention: Lane DeGregory, Tampa Bay (Fla.) Times, “The Housing Experiment”
FEATURE WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer from any combination of feature beats.
FIRST: Sarah Smith, Houston Chronicle
Judge’s comments: The story about ex-con Jaysen Kettl is riveting – the writing, the photography and the video effects come together for a transfixing read. The story about Hurricane Beryl is both a hoot and damnably insightful. And the boot story is as informative as it is fun.
SECOND: Samantha Swindler, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian
Judge’s comments: This portfolio features humous writing and subjects, such as Bigfoot and tater tots. Who can compete with that?
THIRD: Madaleine Rubin, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judge’s comments: These are great stories about the small-town effects of big-money decisions.
FEATURE BEAT WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories by the same writer on one feature topic, such as arts and entertainment, fashion, food, health, religion, technology or travel.
FIRST: Jeremy Reynolds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judge’s comments: Part-review and part reportage, Jeremy Reynolds’ story on concert opera is both insightful and illuminating, and the piece provides an entry point for the average person into a scene that’s traditionally dominated by the upper class. Reynolds has a way of capturing the cultural zeitgeist – the story about the candlelight concerts that have been popping up on social media sheds light on something I’d always wondered about but had never explored. And “The Nutcracker” story is an example of how skillful Reynolds is at reporting classical music not only from the standpoint of the music itself but also from the business of classical music and how it all comes together.
SECOND: Jamie Hale, The (Portland, Ore.) Oregonian
Judge’s comments: The Crater Lake story is a great example of how journalists can and should do watchdog reporting on every beat. The piece exposes truly galling issues about the Aramark subsidiary that (mis)managed the concessions and amenities at the national park site. The Du Drops story is creative andthe kind of pleasant surprise that you don’t expect to find from an outdoors writer. The Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort feature is a nice little spotlight of travel journalism.
THIRD: Abby Mackey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judge’s comments: These are fascinating stories with unique, consumer-driven angles that are combined with solid reporting on an unusual beat. Frequently, reporters wrestle with how to find fresh angles on topics like school shootings or gun control, but Abby Mackey manages to do just that. Importantly, she also examines the gun-control issue from a balanced entry point that is designed to be inclusive of folks from all political persuasions and to unite them in one mission: deepening our understanding of how to keep kids safe amid the highly politicized gun debate. The other story in the portfolio shows ways we can examine the issue of how to keep kids healthy by diving into the universal question of how much screen time is appropriate.
Honorable mention: Hanna Webster, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
FOOD WRITING PORTFOLIO
Three stories, columns or reviews by the same writer on any food topic.
FIRST: Alison Cook, Houston Chronicle
Judge’s comments: Alison Cook’s willingness to cover a wide range of topics shows her expertise, while her well-researched and entertainingly written prose hooks you from the beginning. And the vivid details make you feel as though you’re there experiencing it all. These stories are worth reading again and again.
SECOND: Christina Tkacik, The Baltimore Banner
Judge’s comments: Off-the-news topics drive these stories, but it’s clear the writer’s tenacious reporting and compassion are why sources share their most private, vulnerable moments. The result are human stories told with brutal honesty and striking descriptions.
THIRD: Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News
Judge’s comments: These stories contain well-researched, astute observations and strong criticism. There’s a strong sense of place, and the pieces are witty and entertaining.
Honorable mention: Daniel Neman, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
GENERAL COMMENTARY PORTFOLIO
Three columns or essays by the same writer on any human interest or specialty topic, excluding editorials.
FIRST: Rick Hutzell, The Baltimore Banner
Judge’s comments: This entry powerfully evokes a sense of place through a range of topics and reporting techniques, addressing big issues on a human scale. These are graceful, descriptive, empathetic portrayals of real people facing real issues.
SECOND: Brandon McGinley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judge’s comments: This wonderful collection of rocking-chair reads includes a nice variety of reported stories and personal experiences. The writer deftly trains a human-focused lens on issues big and small.
THIRD: Leslie Gray Streeter, The Baltimore Banner
Judge’s comments: These stories showcase an unmistakable voice brought to bear on a variety of issues. The ripped-from-the-headlines topicsrange from local to global, and the writer’s fearless deployment of strong language leaves an impression – and no question about her point of view.
ARTS & CULTURE CRITICISM PORTFOLIO
Three columns, essays or reviews by the same writer on any arts and entertainment topic, including dining reviews but excluding editorials.
FIRST: Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor
Judge’s comments: There’s a lot of fantastic writing across these three entries. For example, the opening of the “Perfect Day” review unfolds with a pacingthat I imagine fits the film and gets readers in the mood. And when writer Peter Rainer untangles the plots of “Anora” or “A Real Pain,” readers get a strong understanding of what happens in the films without being bashed over the head with how they should feel about those movies. The writer evokes a sense of curiosity that nudges readers to see for themselves, and that’s what elevates this work into special territory.
SECOND: Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News
Judge’s comments: These pieces are darn fun. I laughed out loud at this passage: “But that’s the thing about a place that brands itself as a mashup of French, Latin American and Asian food. Sometimes you get one, sometimes you get none and sometimes you get all three. And sometimes you get a ‘We Are the World’ mashup where it’s all Cyndi Lauper and no Michael Jackson.” Ha! Every entry from Mike Sutter is engaging as heck. I found myself wondering, “Why do I care about this Pullman Market place? I don’t live in Texas!” But it’s because I enjoyed reading about the food and about what does and doesn’t work at this place – even though I don’t have immediate plans to visit.
THIRD: Théoden Janes, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer
Judge’s comments: I read the recap of the Concert for Carolina and thought to myself, wow, is this a concert piece about a concert that never was? How cool! It’s a joy to read about the ways concertgoers patiently waited; I imagined them with their Michelob Ultras and popcorn. And I stuck around for every fun detail from the show. In fact, fun details are everywhere in Janes’ writing. It’s like having a friend tell me everything I need to know about a recent show.
Honorable mention: Jim Kiest, San Antonio Express-News
UTILITY FEATURE PORTFOLIO
Three stories that focus on readers’ everyday lives – such as health, retail prices and product availability – presented in an easy-to-digest, consumer-oriented way.
FIRST: Stephanie Zimmermann and Elvia Malagón, Chicago Sun-Times
Judge’s comments: As Chicago’s rent prices soar, Stephanie Zimmermann and Elvia Malagón’s piece on hidden junk fees provide renters the tools they need to navigate an increasingly predatory market. The storytelling is sharp, and the graphics are clear and understandable.
SECOND: Hanna Webster, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judge’s comments: Hanna Webster covers big topics – from sunscreen misinformation to the discovery of nanoplastics – with engaging reporting and clearwriting that keep readers informed without contributing to fearmongering.
THIRD: Gretchen McKay, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judge’s comments: Gretchen McKay’s writing bursts with energy, and her approach to telling readers the story of a pierogi or to waxing poetic about the history of Marry Me Chicken is both informative and delightful.
SPECIAL PRODUCT – DIGITAL OR PRINT
The best example of anything outside of regular coverage. Could be a one-time publication or published more often, but not a recurring weekly product.
FIRST: “San Antonio Magazine March/April 2024,” Jennifer McInnis and Adrian Alvarez, San Antonio Express-News
Judge’s comments: This comprehensive celebration of San Antonio’s 11-day cultural extravaganza marries compelling storytelling with breathtaking visuals that capture the festival’s vibrant spirit. From rich profiles of flower makers and the larger-than-life grand marshal to insider guidance from Fiesta veterans, this publication transports readers directly into this colorful tradition – whether they’re longtime attendees or experiencing Fiesta for the first time.
SECOND: “The Top 100 Restaurants,” Staff, Houston Chronicle
Judge’s comments: This immersive dining guide elevates the traditional restaurant list through its sophisticated interactive design and its crisp, accessible writing. Each bite-sized review delivers mouthwatering visceral descriptions that transport readers tableside. The standout multimedia elements – stunning photo galleries, an interactive map and wish-list capabilities – make it an essential tool for local food enthusiasts.
THIRD: “(201) Magazine – Arts Issue, Music Issue and Food Issue,” John Flynn, Joram Mushinske and Liz Johnson, The (Bergen County,N.J.) Record
Judge’s comments: These issues capture the local spirit through exceptional storytelling and sophisticated design. The blend of deep-rooted community narratives and contemporary lifestyle content paints a regional portrait that honors both tradition and transformation.
Honorable mention: “Explore Florida & the Caribbean,” Mark Gauert, Cassie Armstrong and Anderson Greene, South Florida Sun Sentinel
