Nominations open for the 50th Annual Distinguished Journalist Awards
We’re seeking nominations for the 50th annual SPJ/LA Distinguished Journalist Awards. The deadline for nomination submissions is June 15, 2026.
We'll celebrate the honorees at our festive and fun-filled annual banquet on Wednesday, October 7. Save the date! Details coming soon. A list of past honorees, as well as highlights from some recent award ceremonies, are viewable here.
Unlike other journalism awards, which focus only on work completed within the past year, SPJ/LA's Distinguished Journalist Awards honor journalists who have achieved a record of accomplishments over the course of a number of years.
The awards celebrate both professional and student journalists, with an emphasis on ensuring that the group of honorees represents exemplary journalism in all its forms and from news sources of all shapes and sizes across the greater Los Angeles region.
The professional awards honor up to six individuals who distinguish themselves over time through their contributions to journalism, including deep storytelling and a commitment to journalistic principles.
Nominees’ work can come from any news outlet, including but not limited to print/text, broadcast, audio and digital as well as contributions to journalism that have otherwise been overlooked from producers, editors or technicians in the field. Nominations of freelancers are warmly welcomed.
Nominees' contributions to journalism can include hyperlocal reporting focused on a single town or neighborhood, innovative storytelling, impactful accounts that drive change, in-depth investigations and more. Above all, nominees should have an outstanding body of work amassed over time.
The awards program also honors outstanding college journalism students who have recently completed their final year of two-year and four-year programs.
Non-journalists and journalists who have helped further the free flow of information and championed the freedom of the press are recognized with the Freedom of Information award. Previous winners have worked in the legal profession, academia, government and for nonprofit organizations.
In recent years we’ve made some changes to the award categories and added a requested donation for nominations submitted by people who are not students or SPJ members. You can read more about these changes here.
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
Any individual or organization with knowledge of the nominee’s work can submit a nomination, and yes, you can self-nominate.
Students and members of SPJ/LA can submit as many nominations as they like for free.
Non-members are asked to consider a suggested $25 donation, which covers as many nominations as you like. That contribution can be applied to an annual SPJ Membership. Journalists working in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties are eligible for nomination.
Please complete a separate form for each nomination.
The categories for nomination are:
Professional journalist (up to six honorees will be selected)
Student (final year/senior at a four-year institution)
Student (final year at a community college)
Freedom of Information Award (helped further the free flow of information and championed freedom of the press; this person does not have to be a journalist--previous winners have worked in the legal profession, academia, government and for nonprofit organizations)
Nominators should provide a narrative of up to 250 words explaining how the nominee’s contributions demonstrate excellence, including specific examples. The nominating form has space to attach supporting materials, including text, audio, video, images, charts, graphics and social media.
Submit a nomination using our form.
The deadline for nomination submissions is June 15, 2026.