Applications for the 2026 Clifford K. and James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons are now open!
In 1989, Florence Berryman, former art critic of The Washington Star, endowed an annual award in memory of her late father and brother, both Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists. The Berryman Award is open to U.S.-based editorial cartoonists for work that exhibits power to influence public opinion, plus good drawing and striking effect. The cartoons should represent the highest standards of journalism. The award includes a cash prize of $2,500. There is a maximum of 2 entries allowed per news organization.
Matt Wuerker of Politico won the 2025 Clifford K. and James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons for “creative originality, exceptional artwork, and a command of visual storytelling that makes each idea instantly accessible yet richly layered,” said the National Press Foundation judging panel.
Wuerker accepted the award on March 12, 2026, at NPF’s Annual Awards Dinner.
Dan Perkins, known by his nom de plume Tom Tomorrow, won the 2024 Clifford K. and James T. Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons.
“Tom Tomorrow’s sharp and iconic work embodies the higher purpose of political cartooning: holding powerful figures to account using satire grounded in good journalism,” NPF judges said.
HOW TO ENTER
You Will Need:
1. Letter of Support
2. Bio
2. Five Work Samples
Deadline for Entry: Sept. 30, 2026
Eligibility: Editorial cartoons published from Sept. 30, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026.
Entry Fee: A non-refundable $25 fee for each entry should be paid by credit card.
Payment: You will be directed to credit card payment upon submission of the application.
Instructions:
When you have gathered your materials (letter, bio and sample work) apply below. It is not possible to save and return the application later, you will need to have all materials at hand.
Winner Requirements:
1. Winning entries will be published on the National Press Foundation website. By submitting an application, you grant NPF permission to do so.
Questions:
Contact Celia Milch, celia@nationalpress.org.
