22. Jackson Poetry Prize

In 2006, P&W established the Jackson Poetry Prize, given to honor an American poet of exceptional talent who deserves wider recognition. The award, generously funded by the Liana Foundation, is designed to provide what all poets need: the time and encouragement to write. The $50,000 prize is among the largest monetary awards given to a poet. The first recipient was Elizabeth Alexander, pictured at a celebratory reading at the Nabi Gallery in New York City.