The year-long process begins with the appointment of 102 distinguished jurors who serve on separate juries and make three recommendations in each of 21 categories. In twenty of these, each winner receives a certificate and a US$10,000 cash award. The winner in the public service category of the journalism competition is awarded a gold medal, which always goes to a newspaper, although an individual may be named in the citation.

For a distinguished example of feature photography in black and white or color, which may consist of a photograph or photographs, in print or online or both, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Awarded to Barbara Davidson of the Los Angeles Times for her intimate story of innocent victims trapped in the city’s crossfire of deadly gang violence.