All four of the 2024 Forward prizes for poetry have been awarded to women: Victoria Chang won the £10,000 prize for best collection; Marjorie Lotfi’s book was named best first collection; Cindy Juyoung Ok won the prize for the best single poem (written); and Leyla Josephine was awarded the prize for the best single poem (performed).
The four winners, who will receive a total prize pot of £17,000, “demonstrate that poetry is more vital than ever”, said poet Jane Clarke, who was on this year’s judging panel. “Whether deeply serious or playful, formally inventive or traditionally lyrical, these collections and single poems share an ability to enrich our lives, helping us understand ourselves, each other and the world around us in all its wonder, tragedy and grace.”
