The prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has revealed the finalists for its 48th annual international playwriting award, celebrating women+ writers for plays of outstanding quality written for the English-speaking theatre.
The announcement was made in an exclusive video by Pedro Pascal, marking nearly fifty years of the Prize’s commitment to championing visionary voices that have shaped contemporary theatre.
Since its inception in 1978, over 500 plays have been honored as finalists, with many going on to win Olivier, Lilly, Evening Standard, and Tony Awards. Eleven finalists have subsequently received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The finalists for the 48th Annual Susan Smith Blackburn Prize are:
- Barbara Bergin (Ireland) – Dublin Gothic
- Hannah Doran (UK/Ireland) – Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights
- Amy Jephta (South Africa) – A Good House
- Frances Poet (UK) – Small Acts of Love
- Ro Reddick (US) – Cold War Choir Practice
- Jasmine Sharma (US) – Pigeonhole
- Jen Silverman (US) – Regressions
- DeLanna Studi (Cherokee Nation) – “I” is for Invisible
- Else Went (US) – Initiative
- Bess Wohl (US) – Liberation
The winner will be announced on 26 February 2026 at London’s Royal Court Theatre during a special presentation attended by leading theatre artists and supporters. The winner will receive $25,000 and a signed print by renowned artist Willem de Kooning. Each finalist will receive $5,000, and a Special Commendation of $10,000 may also be awarded.
More information can be found here.
