The funniest

award show,

ever.

20+ yrs of legacy
Produced by
2023 Thurber House logo

Years of experience in one night of humor.

The Thurber Prize crystal award

Awarded annually, The Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of the art of humor writing in the United States. A first-round committee of national judges selects six to eight semi-finalists, and a second-round committee selects three top finalists to appear at the award show.

The Thurber Prize for American Humor is presented each year in James Thurber’s hometown of Columbus, Ohio. During this spectacular evening of humor, attendees are entertained with a host of hilarious surprises, including readings from the three finalists.

The show culminates with the announcement of the winner of The Thurber Prize for American Humor.

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2023 Thurber House logo

The 22nd Thurber Prize Host Committee.

The Thurber House museum
Over 20 years of experience
Eight speakers in the lineup
Two days of speakers
Six live workshops

Honorary Hosts: Paige & Michael Crane

Amanpal Garcha & Danielle Demko, David Hogrefe and Brian Kemp, Denise Mirman, Elizabeth Howard and Whit Vann, Fred & Debra Hadley, Highland Lakes Moms Book Club, Katherine & Doug Matthews, Mary Lazarus, Paul & Sandra Watkins, Paula Cole & Jacob Ledford, Robyn Warhol Nisbet, Win & Roberta Logan, Monica & Doug Kridler, Charles Flynn, Xenia Palus, Mary Coppolo

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Become a Host

An award show developed by a talented team of creatives.

Our team of local and national creatives has come together to develop a show like no other— With music, dance, and of course comedy, get ready to celebrate our finalists and laugh until you cry!

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Brooke Preston headshot
David J. Glover headshot
Riane Konc headshot
Scott Woods headshot
Zoë Lathan headshot
Zac Delmonte headshot
Brooke Stiles headshot
Counterfeit Madison headshot
2023 Thurber House logo

Produced by Thurber House.

The Thurber House museum

Founded in 1984, Thurber House is a nonprofit literary arts center, James Thurber museum, historic landmark, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists of all ages.

We are based in the restored 1873 home of humorist, cartoonist, author, playwright, and journalist James Thurber, widely considered one of the foremost American humorists of the 20th century. Thurber House programs include author events featuring nationally bestselling authors and local authors, writing workshops for children and adults, writer residencies, and more.

Our museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the home Thurber and his family lived in from 1913–1917, while young Thurber was a student at The Ohio State University. The Thurber House museum opened in 1984 after extensive renovation led by Donn Vickers, Arthur Vorys, and Luke Feck.

We are proud to produce The Thurber Prize for American Humor alongside our sponsors and partners to honor the legacy of James Thurber by uplifting the artists of today.

Over 20 years of experience
Eight speakers in the lineup
Two days of speakers
Six live workshops
Learn more at thurberhouse.org
Learn more at thurberhouse.org

We've got the answers to your questions

How many finalists are there?

We have three finalists each year out of the hundreds of submissions that we receive from authors all across the country. From indie self-pubs to best-selling authors and everything in between, these writers try their chance at taking home the coveted Thurber Prize each year. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started in the field, this award show is made by and for the industry to celebrate the very best in humor writing.

What will happen at the live show?

The live award show on April 28, 2023 in Columbus, OH allows you to see the finalists read and be awarded in real time. The show is also jam-packed with music, dance, and comedy to give you an unforgettable evening of humor.

How does the judging process work?

Shhh... The judging process is top-secret... Just kidding. Any author from around the country with a qualifying book is able to submit their work for consideration. Once submissions close for the year, our panel of national judges quickly gets to work reading and scoring each book. This process is done in two rounds of judging which gives us our top six to seven, top three, then eventually our winner who is awarded the evening of the show.

Who will be at the live show?

Each year, the live show is attended by industry professionals, humor and/or writing enthusiasts, fans-of-the-authors, and many other people who just want to have a good time!