Pulitzer Jurors Lack Art Appreciation

With a headline like the one above, I've shot myself in the foot for the the most coveted prize in journalism. Then again, I can't win one anyway, since I'm not on a newspaper staff (let alone a journalist of Pulitzer caliber).

My interest in the application and selection process was piqued, nevertheless, by the news from Editor & Publisher that Christopher Knight, art critic and commentator at the LA Times, has become a finalist for this year's Pulitzer for criticism by nominating himself, rather than being nominated by his editors, as is customary. Who knew you could do this, let alone make it to the finals this way?

This knowledge gap led me to take a look at the Pulitzer guidelines and procedures, as well as the past winners in the criticism category. (Go here, click on "Forms," then click on "Journalism Guidelines")

Knight may have taken advantage of the guideline that states that nominations may be made not only by editors, but also "in the name of the staff of the newspaper." (Don't get me wrong: I do hope he wins!)

The guidelines also allow entries "by newspaper readers or an interested individual."

But most surprising was this Q&A defining the critics award, under the heading, "How to Prepare an Entry":

Q: What belongs in the Criticism category?
A: Critical writing on such subjects as books, theater, television, movies, dance and architecture.

And art is...where?

For the record: Of the 37 awards for criticism since 1970, a mere two went for art criticism: Emily Genauer of Newsday, 1974; and Henry Allen of the Washington Post (photography criticism), 2000. Sorry, Christopher, they only do it every 25 years or so!

Anyway, Knight, a finalist for the third time, and Jerry Saltz, art critic for the Village Voice, who has been twice a finalist (but not this year), are in good also-ran company: Nicolai Ouroussoff was a finalist for his architecture criticism twice (2003 and 2004) for the LA Times and once (last year) for the NY Times. He still hasn't medaled.

The winners in all categories will be announced Apr. 16. "Finalists are not announced in advance."

They're merely leaked.