The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has officially announced its 2026 class of MacArthur Fellows, a prestigious cohort of 20 individuals whose work has been identified as representing the pinnacle of "exceptional creativity" and intellectual rigor. This year’s selection continues the Foundation’s long-standing tradition of identifying pioneers across a vast spectrum of human endeavor, from the hard sciences and social advocacy to the fine arts and historical scholarship. Among the diverse group of innovators recognized this year are three literary figures—Layli Long Soldier, Maaza Mengiste, and Bryan Washington—whose work in poetry and fiction has been cited for its profound ability to reshape our understanding of history, memory, and the intricate bonds of human connection.
Commonly referred to as "genius grants," the MacArthur Fellowships are among the most coveted honors in the United States, distinguished not only by their prestige but by their unique structure. Each of the 20 fellows will receive a no-strings-attached award of $800,000, distributed over a period of five years. Unlike most grants, which are tied to specific projects or academic institutional requirements, the MacArthur Fellowship is an investment in the person rather than a particular product. The stipend is designed to provide the financial freedom necessary for these thinkers and creators to pursue their creative visions without the constraints of immediate commercial or professional pressure. According to the Foundation, the fellows are chosen based on three primary criteria: exceptional creativity, a promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishments, and a demonstrated potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work.
The 2026 class arrives at a moment when the intersection of art and social impact is under increased scrutiny, and the Foundation’s choices reflect a deep commitment to work that addresses the complexities of the modern world. While the full list of fellows includes a multidisciplinary array of historians, scientists, anthropologists, and composers, the inclusion of three distinct literary voices highlights the enduring power of the written word to serve as a catalyst for societal reflection and change. These writers—one poet and two novelists—represent different facets of the contemporary literary landscape, yet they are united by their dedication to exploring the "human costs" of our shared histories and the "fragile beauty" of our private lives.
Layli Long Soldier, a poet whose work has already garnered significant acclaim for its formal innovation and political resonance, is among those honored this year. The MacArthur Foundation’s citation recognizes her for "exploring ways to articulate Native American histories and celebrate enduring kinship, strength and creativity." Long Soldier’s work is perhaps best known for its dual commitment to linguistic precision and historical accountability. Her poetry often grapples with the legacy of the United States’ relationship with Indigenous nations, using the very language of government treaties and official apologies to expose the gaps between political rhetoric and lived reality.
