The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has announced the judging panel for its 48th annual award, which honours women+ playwrights for works of outstanding quality in English-speaking theatre. The winner will be revealed on 26 February at a special invitation-only celebration at London’s Royal Court Theatre.
This year’s judges include Julie Hesmondhalgh, Mara Isaacs, Mimi Lien, Benedict Lombe, Audra McDonald and Ian Rickson. Prize Executive Director Leslie Swackhamer said: “We are thrilled to announce this year’s panel of judges, who represent excellence in all areas of the theatre. Each one has had a major impact on our field. Their expertise, talent and vision are central to our process of curating and celebrating the Prize’s incredible roster of playwrights.”
Founded in 1978, the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize is the largest and oldest international award recognising women+ playwrights. Past judges have included Edward Albee, Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Greta Gerwig, Meryl Streep, Tom Stoppard and Paula Vogel.
The ten finalists for the 2026 Prize are:
Barbara Bergin (Dublin Gothic), Hannah Doran (The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights), Amy Jephta (A Good House), Frances Poet (Small Acts of Love), Ro Reddick (Cold War Choir Practice), Jasmine Sharma (Pigeonhole), Jen Silverman (Regressions), DeLanna Studi (“I” is for Invisible), Else Went (Initiative), and Bess Wohl (Liberation).
The winner will receive $25,000 and a special print by Willem De Kooning. A Special Commendation of $10,000 may be awarded at the judges’ discretion, and each finalist will receive $5,000.
More information can be found here.
