2 Forward writers win Excellence in Feature Journalism awards

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
The Society for Features Journalism, which celebrates innovation in lifestyle, arts and entertainment journalism, recognized the diverse work of two Forward writers at its 2020 Excellence in Features Awards.
Contributing Art Critic Jackson Arn won second place in the Arts & Entertainment Commentary Portfolio category for his incisive (but considered) review of Daniel Mendelsohn’s essay collection. The category, which recognizes a trio of columns, essays or reviews, also recognized Arn’s analysis of the British comedy “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” in which he found surprising Jewish resonances.
“Though they’re aimed at a niche audience, Jackson Arn’s pieces pique broader interest with sharp cultural takes that display a subtle intelligence,” according to the judge’s comments.
Deputy Culture Editor Talya Zax received honorable mention in the category for her review of André Aciman’s “Call Me By Your Name” sequel “Find Me.” Zax, who profiled, Aciman in 2018, lamented the author’s fruitless efforts to measure up to the power of the first book, perfectly articulating Hollywood’s potential to corrupt — or diminish — the work of a master.
These wins add to an impressive awards season for the Forward, which won a number of distinctions at the 39th Rockower Awards last week.
A rabbi walks into a bar… Have you heard that one? Join Forverts editor Rukhl Schaechter as she talks to contemporary stars of Yiddish comedy and mavens of Yiddish humor. Don’t worry — the jokes will be fresh. Register for Zoom here.
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news this Passover. All donations are being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give this Passover is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.

