On Tuesday, the MacArthur Foundation announced its 2026 class of MacArthur Fellows : 20 individuals who demonstrate “exceptional creativity” and excellence in their fields, and “who demonstrate the ability to impact society in significant and beneficial ways through their pioneering work or the rigor of their contributions.”

These “genius grants” come with a a no-strings-attached award of $800,000, disbursed over five years. This year, in addition to historians, artists, scientists, anthropologists, and composers, three literary writers were recognized:

Layli Long Soldier A poet “exploring ways to articulate Native American histories and celebrate enduring kinship, strength and creativity.” Read the full citation here.

Maaza Mengiste A fiction writer “revealing the human costs of political violence through a compelling blend of history, memory, and imagination.” Read the full citation here.

Bryan Washington A fiction writer “capturing the fragile beauty of modern relationships in stories shaped by place, memory, and rituals of daily care.” Read the full citation here.