2021 – Yusef Komunyakaa
On June 23, 2021, The Griffin Trust For Excellence in Poetry announced that Yusef Komunyakaa would receive its 2021 Lifetime Recognition Award. In this insightful …
Instituted in 2006, the trustees of The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry presents a Lifetime Recognition Award on a periodic basis to pay tribute to the work and achievements of international artists working in poetry.
Learn more about these distinguished award recipients below.
2019 – Nicole Brossard
On April 24, 2019, The Griffin Trust For Excellence in Poetry announced that French Canadian poet, essayist, and novelist Nicole Brossard would receive its Lifetime …
2018 – Ana Blandiana
On October 11, 2017, The Griffin Trust For Excellence in Poetry announced that Romanian poet, essayist, and political figure Ana Blandiana would receive its Lifetime …
2017 – Frank Bidart
On June 7, 2017, much acclaimed American poet Frank Bidart was honoured with The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition Award. Griffin Trustee …
2016 – Adam Zagajewski
On June 1, 2016, esteemed Polish poet, novelist, translator and essayist Adam Zagajewski was honoured with The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition …
2015 – Derek Walcott
On June 3, 2015, the Griffin Trust For Excellence in Poetry announced that it was honouring Nobel Prize-winning poet and playwright Derek Walcott with its …
2014 – Adélia Prado
On June 4, 2014, revered Brazilian writer and poet Adélia Prado was honoured with The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition Award. Griffin …
2012 – Seamus Heaney
On June 6, 2012, beloved and much decorated Irish poet, translator and playwright Seamus Heaney was honoured with The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s …
2011 – Yves Bonnefoy
On May 31, 2011, revered French poet and essayist Yves Bonnefoy was honoured with The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition Award. Carolyn …
2010 – Adrienne Rich
On June 2, 2010, the distinguished American poet, essayist, and feminist Adrienne Rich was honoured with The Griffin Trust For Excellence In Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition …
2009 – Hans Magnus Enzensberger
On June 2, 2009, the respected German author, poet, translator, and editor Hans Magnus Enzensberger was honoured with The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s Lifetime …
2008 – Ko Un
On June 3, 2008, the distinguished poet Ko Un was honoured with The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s Lifetime Recognition Award. Trustee Robert Hass paid …
2007 – Tomas Tranströmer
On June 5, 2007, The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry bestowed its second Lifetime Recognition Award on the renowned poet Tomas Tranströmer. Griffin trustees Robert …
2006 – Robin Blaser
On May 31st, 2006, the legendary poet Robin Blaser was honoured with The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry’s first Lifetime Recognition Award. Trustee Robert Hass …