The Plutarch Award
The Plutarch Award supports biographers through an annual international prize honoring completed biographical writing, recognizing the year's best biography rather than funding proposed research.
Funder: Biographers International Organization
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $3,000 honorarium
Summary: An annual international prize recognizing the best biography of the year.
Key Information: Recognizes published biographies rather than proposed research; nominations must come from publishers or BIO members.
Description
The Plutarch Award is presented by Biographers International Organization (BIO) to recognize the best biography of the year. Named after the ancient Greek biographer, it honors completed biographical writing rather than funding a proposed research project. A committee of five distinguished biographers selects the winner from books nominated by BIO members and publishers.
The award recognizes biographies published in English, including translations, and accommodates both individual and group subjects as well as narrative approaches beyond the traditional cradle-to-grave format. Past winners and finalists encompass lives in literature, politics, the arts, science, sports, and other fields.
