Joe Strupp of Editor and Publisher has written his predictions on whose name might be announced in this year’s Pulitzer Prize announcement. In the category of editorial cartooning he names three candidates that he believes have a good shot: Mike Thompson, John Sherffius, and Ann Telnaes.
Below are his arguments on why his picks could win:
Mike Thompson of the Detroit Free Press and Copley News Service to have an excellent chance. He was a finalist the past two years and as E&P recently noted in a print story, he began doing breaking-news animations in 2007.
John Sherffius of The Boulder (Col.) Camera, who won the $10,000 Herblock Prize last week. He’s one of the most visually striking cartoonists out there and often conveys his points in memorably symbolic ways without using too many words.
Ann Telnaes of Cartoonists & Writers Syndicate, who won a Pulitzer in 2001, but has one of the most interesting drawing styles of any cartoonist. She is also doing Web animation, which Pulitzer judges have shown makes a difference.
Last year, Strupp guessed Mike Thompson, Mike Luckovich, Nick Anderson, Matt Davies and Garry Trudeau on his shortlist. Walt Handelsman won the Prize last year, but Mike Thompson and Nick Anderson were finalists.
Of the three, I’d second the Sherffius prediction. Animation was last year’s new shiny toy, so I don’t think it will be as important this year as it was last. John’s Herblock portfolio was strong and visually striking.
Who else’s name should be on the short list and why?