List of Humanitas Prize recipients
The Humanitas Prize is a writing award for American television that was first given in 1975. In 1995, eligibility expanded to include the writers of feature films. Winners in bold.
Although the prize is awarded only to writers, this list includes only the title of the film or television show they wrote. Additionally, it does not cover all of the Humanitas Prize categories.
1970s
1976 (1st Humanitas Awards)
Prizes were given out in 1975 on The Today Show.30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionSunshine ' Good Times ' Good Times '
60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Law ' The Cay The Waltons '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionLarry ABC Theater, ' NBC World Premiere Movie ''''
1977 (2nd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionM*A*S*H ' DOC ' M*A*S*H '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFamily ' Family ' The Waltons
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionNBC World Premiere Movie ' Medical Story ''''
- ''My Father's House''
1978 (3rd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Mary Tyler Moore Show ' All in the Family ' M*A*S*H '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionRoots ' Roots ' The Waltons '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionGreen Eyes Roots ' Something for Joey
Special Award''' CBS Reports ''''
1979 (4th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionAll in the Family 'The Jeffersons ' 60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFamily ' Family '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionSpecial Olympics Breaking Up The Other Side of Hell
Special Award CBS Reports ''''
1980s
1980 (5th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionTaxi ' All in the Family ' M*A*S*H '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionLou Grant ' Hallmark Hall of Fame ' Lou Grant '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionSummer of My German Soldier Friendly Fire Like Normal People
Special Award'Who Are the DeBolts? And Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids?'''''
1981 (6th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionM*A*S*H ' United States ' WKRP in Cincinnati '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFamily ' The Waltons '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionSon-Rise: A Miracle of Love '[The Family (1976 TV series)|Family Man (1979 film)|The Family Man]'
Special AwardNBC White Paper ''''
1982 (7th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionWKRP in Cincinnati ' Archie Bunker's Place ' M*A*S*H '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionHill Street Blues ' Lou Grant '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Shadow Box Leave 'Em Laughing A Matter of Life and Death
Special AwardNBC Reports ''''
1983 (8th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionM*A*S*H ' Archie Bunker's Place ' One Day at a Time '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionLou Grant ' ABC Afterschool Special ' Hill Street Blues '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionDivorce Wars: A Love Story Bitter Harvest The Marva Collins Story
Special Award'America Works When America Works'''''
1984 (9th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionM*A*S*H ' Diff'rent Strokes '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionHill Street Blues '
- Fame ' St. Elsewhere '
- ''Two of a Kind''
1985 (10th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFamily Ties ' Family Ties ' Gimme a Break! '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionHill Street Blues ' St. Elsewhere ' St. Elsewhere '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionChoices of the Heart Memorial Day
1986 (11th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Cosby Show ' Family Ties ' Family Ties '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionSt. Elsewhere ' Cagney & Lacey ' Hill Street Blues '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Dollmaker Not My Kid Surviving
Children's Animation TelevisionJim Henson's Muppet Babies ' CBS Storybreak '
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special ' Pryor's Place '
Special Award'''NBC White Paper ''''
1987 (12th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Cosby Show ' The Cosby Show ' The Cosby Show ' Mr. Sunshine '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionCagney & Lacey '
St. Elsewhere ' 90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionDo You Remember Love Hallmark Hall of Fame ' Love, Mary
Children's Live Action TelevisionABC Afterschool Special ' ABC Afterschool Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special '
Special Award'''CBS Reports ''''
1988 (13th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionKate & Allie ' The Cosby Show ' Family Ties '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFamily Ties ' St. Elsewhere ' St. Elsewhere '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionHallmark Hall of Fame '
- Alex: The Life of a Child Miles To Go...
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special ' ABC Afterschool Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special '
Special Award
- ''
1989 (14th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFrank's Place ' Kate & Allie ' The Wonder Years '60 Minute Network or Syndicated Televisionthirtysomething ' Cagney & Lacey ' Cagney & Lacey '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionA Gathering of Old Men Proud Men
Children's Animation TelevisionThe Flintstone Kids ' Jim Henson's Muppet Babies ' Little Clowns of Happytown '
Children's Live Action TelevisionABC Afterschool Special ' ABC Afterschool Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special '
Special AwardABC News Closeup ''''
1990s
1990 (15th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Wonder Years '60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionChina Beach ' China Beach '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionGod Bless the Child
Children's Animation TelevisionThe New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ' The Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy ' The Chipmunks '
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special ' ABC Afterschool Special ' ABC Afterschool Special '
Special Award
- '''Destined to Live'''
1991 (16th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Wonder Years Why, Charlie Brown, Why? The Wonder Years '60 Minute Network or Syndicated Televisionthirtysomething ' China Beach ' China Beach '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionCommon Ground Hallmark Hall of Fame '
- No Place Like Home
Children's Live Action TelevisionABC Afterschool Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special '
Special AwardRaising Good Kids in Bad Times''' ''''
1992 (17th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Wonder Years ' Doogie Howser, M.D. ' The Wonder Years '60 Minute Network or Syndicated Televisionthirtysomething ' China Beach '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionLucky Day Extreme Close-Up
Children's Animation TelevisionCamp Candy ' Madeline's Christmas The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 '
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special ' CBS Schoolbreak Special '
PBS/Cable TelevisionAmerican Playhouse ' Sudie and Simpson
Special AwardsThe Civil War
- ''
1993 (18th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionBrooklyn Bridge60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionI'll Fly Away
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionI'll Fly Away
- Broken Cord
- China Beach '
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special
PBS/Cable TelevisionWildflower
- American Playhouse
- Mark Twain and Me
1994 (19th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionRoseanne60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionI'll Fly Away
- Life Goes On '
- TriBeCa '
Children's Animation TelevisionThe Legend of Prince Valiant
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special
PBS/Cable TelevisionCooperstown
Special Award
- '''Scared Silent: Exposing and Ending Child Abuse'''
1995 (20th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionMurphy Brown60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionNYPD Blue
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionDavid's Mother
Children's Animation TelevisionAmerican Heroes and Legends
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special
PBS/Cable TelevisionAnd the Band Played On
Feature FilmSchindler's List
1996 (21st Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe John Larroquette Show- Blossom '
- Grace Under Fire '
- Roseanne '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionHallmark Hall of Fame '
Children's Animation TelevisionWhitewash
Children's Live Action TelevisionCBS Schoolbreak Special
PBS/Cable TelevisionThe Burning Season
- Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee
- On Promised Land
Special Award
- '''What Can We Do About Violence?'''
1997 (22nd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFrasier60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionPicket Fences
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionGulliver's Travels
Children's Live Action TelevisionABC Afterschool Special
PBS/Cable TelevisionHiroshima
Feature FilmDead Man Walking'''
1998 (23rd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionSomething So Right60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionNYPD Blue
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionHallmark Hall of Fame
Children's Animation TelevisionLife with Louie '
Children's Live Action TelevisionLifestories: Families in Crisis
- Sesame Street '
- Shari's Passover Surprise
Feature FilmSecrets & Lies'''
1999 (24th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionMurphy Brown- Foto-Novelas '
- Frasier '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionWonderful World of Disney
Children's Animation TelevisionLife with Louie '
Children's Live Action TelevisionSmudge
- Saved by the Bell: The New Class '
- Shaquille O'Neal's Sports Theater '
Feature FilmGood Will Hunting
2000s
2000 (25th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionSports Night60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionHomicide: Life on the Street
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionNYPD Blue '
Children's Animation TelevisionRugrats '
Children's Live Action TelevisionThe Artists' Specials
PBS/Cable TelevisionThanks of a Grateful Nation
Feature FilmOctober Sky'''
2001 (26th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFrasier60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe West Wing
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionTuesdays with Morrie
Children's Animation TelevisionHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child '
Children's Live Action TelevisionThe Color of Friendship
PBS/Cable TelevisionA Lesson Before Dying
Feature FilmThe Insider
Sundance Feature FilmLove and Basketball'''
2002 (27th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionEverybody Loves Raymond60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionOnce and Again
- ER '
- Gideon's Crossing '
- Third Watch '
Children's Animation TelevisionClifford the Big Red Dog '
- Madeline '
- Rocket Power '
- The Famous Jett Jackson '
- The Sandy Bottom Orchestra
Feature FilmYou Can Count on Me
Sundance Feature FilmGreen Dragon'''
2003 (28th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionScrubs60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Practice The West Wing
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionAnne Frank: The Whole Story
- Crossed Over
- The Rosa Parks Story
- Arthur '
PBS/Cable TelevisionThe Laramie Project
Feature FilmIris
Sundance Feature FilmReal Women Have Curves
2004 (29th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Bernie Mac Show60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Practice
- Boomtown '
- ER '
- Without a Trace '
Children's Animation TelevisionStatic Shock '
Children's Live Action TelevisionA Ring of Endless Light
Feature FilmAntwone Fisher
Sundance Feature FilmWhale Rider
2005 (30th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Bernie Mac Show60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionJoan of Arcadia
- ER '
- Joan of Arcadia '
Children's Animation TelevisionLittle Bill
- Arthur '
- Little Bill '
Feature FilmDirty Pretty Things
Sundance Feature FilmMean Creek
2006 (31st Humanitas Awards)
60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe West Wing90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionLackawanna Blues
Children's Animation TelevisionJakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks '
Children's Live Action TelevisionSearching for David's Heart
Feature FilmHotel Rwanda
Sundance Feature FilmThe Motel
- Love, Ludlow
- Swimmers
2007 (32nd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionMy Name Is Earl- George Lopez '
- Scrubs '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Girl in the Café
Children's Animation TelevisionMiss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends
Children's Live Action TelevisionEdge of America
Feature FilmCrash
Sundance Feature FilmQuinceanera
2008 (33rd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe New Adventures of Old Christine60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionER
- House '
- The West Wing '
Children's Animation TelevisionJakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks '
Children's Live Action TelevisionMolly: An American Girl on the Home Front
Feature FilmFreedom WritersVenus
Sundance Feature FilmWhere God Left His Shoes
2009 (34th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionScrubs60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionJohn Adams
- Boston Legal '
- The Wire '
Children's Animation TelevisionMy Friends Tigger & Pooh '
- Sweet Blackberry Presents '
- ToddWorld '
Feature FilmThe Diving Bell and the ButterflyLars and the Real Girl
Sundance Feature FilmA Raisin in the Sun'''
2010s
2010 (35th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionScrubs60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFriday Night Lights '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionTaking Chance
Children's Live Action TelevisionSouth of Nowhere '
Feature FilmWALL-E
Sundance Feature FilmAmreeka
2011 (36th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionModern Family Nurse Jackie60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionGlee ' The Good Wife
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionTemple Grandin
Documentary AwardA Small Act
Feature FilmPrecious
Sundance Feature FilmWinter's Bone
2012 (37th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionModern Family60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionFriday Night Lights '
- Drop Dead Diva '
- House '
- The Pacific '
Children's Animation TelevisionKung Fu Panda Holiday Special
Documentary AwardLouder Than a Bomb
Feature FilmThe King's Speech
Sundance Feature FilmWin Win'''
2013 (38th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionModern Family- The Big C '
- The Middle '
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionCinema Verite
Children's Animation TelevisionPound Puppies
Children's Live Action TelevisionRadio Rebel
Documentary AwardI AmServing Life
Feature FilmThe Conspirator
Sundance Feature FilmBeasts of the Southern Wild
2014 (39th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionModern Family60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionBones
- House '
- Monday Mornings '
Children's Live Action TelevisionLet It Shine
Documentary AwardEthel
Feature FilmSilver Linings Playbook
Sundance Feature FilmFruitvale Station
2015 (40th Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionModern Family60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionHomeland
90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Normal Heart
Documentary AwardThe Case Against 8
Feature Film12 Years A Slave
Sundance Feature FilmWhiplash'''
2016 (41st Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Middle60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionOrange Is the New Black
Children's Animation TelevisionArthur
Children's Live Action TelevisionGortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street
Documentary AwardLandfill Harmonic
- Citizenfour
- Southern Rites
Sundance Feature FilmMe and Earl and the Dying Girl
2017 (42nd Humanitas Awards)
30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionBlack-ish The Real O'Neals60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThis Is Us The Night Of
Children's Animation TelevisionSofia the First Nina's World The Lion Guard
Children's Live ActionAn American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win Degrassi: Next Class Girl Meets World
Documentary Award13th Jim: The James Foley Story 120 Days
Feature FilmHidden Figures Hacksaw Ridge
Sundance Feature FilmThe Birth of a NationFirst Girl I LovedThe Fundamentals of Caring
- ''Tallulah''
2018 (43rd Humanitas Awards)
For the 2018 awards, feature films were separated into three categories.30 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Big Bang Theory Black-ish
60 Minute Network or Syndicated TelevisionThe Good Doctor Game of Thrones
Children's AnimationDoc McStuffins Sofia the First Splash and Bubbles
Children's Live ActionDegrassi: Next Class An American Girl Story – Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance Sesame Street
Documentary AwardCries from SyriaOne of Us Human Flow Hearing Is Believing
Feature Film, DramaMudbound The Post Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Feature Film, ComedyLady Bird The Big Sick
Feature Film, FamilyFerdinand Coco
Sundance Feature FilmCrown HeightsGook
- ''Novitiate''
2019 (44th Humanitas Awards)
Nominees were announced on 27 November 2018, and the prizes were awarded in 2019.30-Minute ComedyDear White People
60-Minute DramaGod Friended Me Orange Is the New Black
Children's TeleplayAlexa & Katie My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Muppet Babies
Documentary AwardStolen Daughters: Kidnapped by Boko HaramTransMilitaryThe Fourth Estate, "Part 3: American Carnage"The Price of Free
Feature Film, DramaOn the Basis of SexBlack PantherBoy ErasedWhat They Had
Feature Film, ComedyLove, Simon Boundaries Crazy Rich AsiansEighth Grade
Feature Film, FamilyMary Poppins Returns Christopher RobinIncredibles 2Isle of Dogs
Independent Feature FilmBrian BanksLaugh or DieSorry to Bother YouThe Grizzlies
- ''The Rider''
2020s
2020 (45th Humanitas Awards)
Nominees were announced on 15 November 2019. For the first time, there were awards for "Limited Series, TV Movie or Special" and "Short Film". The awards were presented 24 January 2020 at The Beverly Hilton.Comedy Teleplay
Drama TeleplayThe Handmaid's Tale This Is Us POSE
Children's TeleplayElena of Avalor The Loud House A Series of Unfortunate Events
DocumentaryThis Is Football Torn Apart: Separated at the BorderErnie & Joe: Crisis Cops Sea of Shadows
Feature Film, DramaA Beautiful Day in the NeighborhoodA Hidden LifeDark WatersBombshell
Feature Film, Comedy or MusicalJojo RabbitThe Farewell YesterdayThe Laundromat
Feature Film, FamilyFrozen IIThe Peanut Butter FalconToy Story 4Klaus
Independent Feature FilmEnd of SentenceHotel MumbaiBrittany Runs a MarathonClemency
Short Film
2022 (46th Humanitas Awards)
Winners were announced on 9 September 2022 at an event held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel hosted by comedian Larry Wilmore. For the first time, an award was presented in Web Series. Prize winners are in bold.Comedy Teleplay
Drama TeleplayPachinko Chicago P.D. Queen Sugar
Children's TeleplayEl Deafo Karma's World Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love
Limited Series, TV Movie or SpecialWomen of the Movement Love Life Maid Three Months
DocumentaryIn the Same BreathEnd of the Line: The Women of Standing RockFrederick Douglass: In Five SpeechesThrough Our Eyes: 'Shelter
Feature Film, DramaThe StarlingA HeroCODANine Days
Feature Film, ComedyDon't Look UpEverything Everywhere All at Once Queen BeesTick, Tick... Boom!
Feature Film, FamilyEncanto8-Bit ChristmasCinderellaSpin
Short FilmGirls Are Strong HereFar from the TreeLeapNona
Web Series
2023 (47th Humanitas Awards)
Winners were announced on 15 August 2023. Prize winners are in bold.Comedy Teleplay
Drama TeleplayThe Last of Us Better Call Saul A Million Little Things All Creatures Great and Small
Children's TeleplayLife by Ella Pinecone & Pony The Crossover Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Limited Series, TV Movie or SpecialA Small Light Little America Little America An Amish Sin
DocumentaryLast Flight HomeThe Human TrialMurder in Big Horn Hold Your Fire
Feature Film, DramaA Jazzman's BluesShe SaidTill
Feature Film, ComedyCha Cha Real SmoothThe Greatest Beer Run Ever ChampionsDealing with Dad
Feature Film, FamilyGuillermo del Toro's PinocchioPuss in Boots: The Last WishGigi & Nate
Short FilmSevap / MitzvahOther HomesLOOK BACK AT IT
- ''Ninety-five Senses''
2024 (48th Humanitas Awards)
Winners were announced on 12 September 2024. Prize winners are in bold.Drama TeleplayBlack Cake The Crown The Morning Show Station 19
Comedy Teleplay
Children's TeleplayMarvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Heartstopper What If...? Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin
Drama FeatureOriginAll of Us StrangersSuncoastSociety of the Snow
Comedy FeatureJulesAmerican Fiction Flora and SonThe Holdovers
DocumentaryThe Cowboy and the QueenSexual HealingEl Equipo: The Story of the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team
Family FeatureNimonaElementalFrybread Face and MeA Million Miles Away
Short FilmThe Ballad of Tita and the MachinesAstonishing Little FeetJelly
- ''The Rebel Girls''