2025 Shortlist
The Great Zoo Shortlisted
Kiss the Eyes of Peace Shortlisted
Psyche Running Winner
Important Dates
December 19, 2026
Deadline to submit to the 2026 Griffin Poetry Prize
March 25, 2026
Griffin Poetry Prize Longlist
April 22, 2026
Griffin Poetry Prize Shortlist
MAY 6, 2026
Lifetime Recognition Award Recipient announced
MAY 20, 2026
Canadian First Book Prize Winner announced
JUNE 3, 2026
Griffin Poetry Prize Readings and Winner announced in Toronto, Canada
The Prize
A History of Excellence
The Griffin Poetry Prize is one of the world’s most generous poetry awards. As of 2023, the prize is worth C$130,000, making it the world’s largest international prize for a single book of poetry written in, or translated into English. The other shortlisted poets each receive $10,000. Explore the 25-year history of the Griffin Poetry Prize here.
Additionally, a new $10,000 prize is awarded for a Canadian First Book of poetry, along with a six-week residency in Italy in partnership with the Civitella Ranieri Foundation to a Canadian Citizen, or permanent resident, for a first book written in English. A Lifetime Recognition Award is awarded by the trustees in the sum of C$25,000.
The Griffin Poetry Prize has been acknowledging and encouraging poets for twenty-two years. At a time when censorship and attacks on a diverse array of writers are on the rise in many countries – including the United States – it’s heartening to see such a strong vote of confidence in poets coming from Canada. Poetry is not a minor art form; it is the crucible of human language.
Margaret Atwood, Founding Trustee