2001 Pulitzer Prize


The 2001 Pulitzer Prizes were announced on April 16, 2001.

Journalism awards

Public ServiceThe Oregonian"... for its detailed and unflinching examination of systematic problems within the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, including harsh treatment of foreign nationals and other widespread abuses, which prompted various reforms."
Breaking News ReportingThe Miami Herald"... for its balanced and gripping on-the-scene coverage of the pre-dawn raid by federal agents that took the Cuban boy Elián González from his Miami relatives and reunited him with his Cuban father."
Investigative ReportingDavid Willman of the Los Angeles Times"... for his pioneering exposé of seven unsafe prescription drugs that had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and an analysis of the policy reforms that had reduced the agency's effectiveness."
Explanatory ReportingChicago Tribune"... for "Gateway to Gridlock," its clear and compelling profile of the chaotic American air traffic system."
Beat ReportingDavid Cay Johnston of The New York Times"... for his penetrating and enterprising reporting that exposed loopholes and inequities in the U.S. tax code, which was instrumental in bringing about reforms."
National ReportingThe New York Times"... for its compelling and memorable series exploring racial experiences and attitudes across contemporary America."
International ReportingIan Johnson of The Wall Street Journal
Paul Salopek of Chicago Tribune
"... for his revealing stories about victims of the People's Republic of China government's often brutal suppression of the Falun Gong movement and the implications of that campaign for the future.
"... for his reporting on the political strife and disease epidemics ravaging Africa, witnessed firsthand as he traveled, sometimes by canoe, through rebel-controlled regions of the Congo."
Feature WritingTom Hallman, Jr. of The Oregonian"... for his poignant profile of a disfigured 14-year old boy who elects to have life-threatening surgery in an effort to improve his appearance."
CommentaryDorothy Rabinowitz of The Wall Street Journal"... for her articles on American society and culture."
CriticismGail Caldwell of The Boston Globe"... for her insightful observations on contemporary life and literature."
Editorial WritingDavid Moats of Rutland Herald, Rutland, Vermont"... for his even-handed and influential series of editorials commenting on the divisive issues arising from civil unions for same-sex couples."
Editorial Cartooning-
Breaking News PhotographyAlan Diaz of the Associated Press"... for his photograph of armed U.S. federal agents seizing the Cuban boy Elián Gonzalez from his relatives' Miami home."
Feature PhotographyMatt Rainey of The Star-Ledger, Newark, New Jersey"... for his emotional photographs that illustrate the care and recovery of two students critically burned in a dormitory fire at Seton Hall University."

Letters awards