Drew Philp Wins Michael Kelly Award For Atavist Story

Drew Philp has been awarded The Michael Kelly Award from The Atlantic for his feature story titled "There Will Be No Mercy." This award-winning piece was originally published in The Atavist Magazine, a publication known for its long-form narrative journalism. The Michael Kelly Award, established in honor of the late journalist Michael Kelly, recognizes outstanding work in the field of American journalism that demonstrates the spirit of Kelly's own reporting, characterized by its courage, integrity, and commitment to truth. The award celebrates journalistic excellence and the impact of compelling storytelling.

Philp's winning article, "There Will Be No Mercy," delves into a specific, impactful narrative that resonated with the award's selection committee. While the specific subject matter of the story is not detailed in the announcement, the recognition by The Atlantic and the nature of the award suggest it is a significant journalistic achievement. The Atavist Magazine, as the publishing platform, is recognized for its dedication to in-depth, meticulously researched, and beautifully written long-form articles, often exploring complex human experiences and societal issues.

The selection process for The Michael Kelly Award involves a rigorous evaluation of submissions from across the American journalistic landscape. This year, Philp's work stood out among a competitive field of finalists. The other finalists for the 2024 award included notable publications and their respective journalists. These finalists represented significant contributions to journalism from Texas Monthly, The New York Times Magazine, and New York magazine's The Cut. The presence of these esteemed publications and their nominated works underscores the high caliber of journalism considered for the award and highlights the strength of Philp's winning submission in comparison.

The Michael Kelly Award aims to foster and celebrate journalism that is not only informative but also deeply engaging and impactful. By honoring Drew Philp and "There Will Be No Mercy," The Atlantic acknowledges the power of narrative journalism to illuminate important stories and uphold the principles of journalistic integrity and courage that Michael Kelly embodied throughout his career. The award serves as a testament to the enduring value of in-depth reporting and the vital role it plays in public discourse.