Tom Richmond‘s poster for the National Cartoonists Society’s 72nd Annual Reuben Awards announces the Special Guests.
Top row: Mark Tatulli, Arnold Roth, Mike Luckovich, Stephan Pastis, Glen Keane, Jake Tapper
Bottom Row: Lynn Johnston, Hillary Price, Lynda Barry, Brendan Burford, Rick Stromoski
The Reuben (Cartoonist of the Year) nominees were highlighted here earlier this week, but now we know some of the other special guests.
Comedian and cartoonist Mike Luckovich will be Master of Ceremonies.
Newsman Jake Tapper will receive the A.C.E. Award – given to a notable who aspired at one time to become a cartoonist, but whose path led them to an entirely different career.
Brendan Burford will receive a Silver T-Square – for demonstrating outstanding dedication or service to the Society or the profession.
Rick Stromoski will receive a Silver T-Square – for demonstrating outstanding dedication or service to the Society or the profession.
Arnold Roth will be the recipient of a very unique honor, The Gold T-Square – awarded for 50 years as professional cartoonist. The National Cartoonists Society website informs that until this weekend only “two have been presented: to Rube Goldberg in 1955 and to Mort Walker in 1999.” Now Mr. Roth joins that elite group.
Lynn Johnston will also join an exclusive club as she will be presented with the NCS Medal of Honor.
It was first awarded at The Reubens’ Dinner and then the ceremony went elsewhere and elsewhen. The presentation returns to The Reuben event this year. The Medal of Honor is a lifetime achievement award and is an honor well-deserved by Lynn.
Previous Medal of Honor winners are Mort Drucker, Mell Lazarus, Al Jaffee, Mort Walker, and Arnold Roth. And now Lynn Johnston.
Also of note is that The National Cartoonists Society Foundation’s winner of the 2018 Jay Kennedy Memorial Scholarship – Zi Chen will be attending as a special guest.
