Reuben Award
Reuben Award
The Reuben Award is a prestigious accolade presented annually by the National Cartoonists Society (NCS). It is named in honor of Rube Goldberg, a founding member and the first president of the NCS. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of cartooning and is considered one of the highest honors in the industry.
History
The Reuben Award was established in 1946, initially known as the Billy DeBeck Memorial Award. It was renamed in 1954 to honor Rube Goldberg. The award was created to acknowledge the contributions of cartoonists to the arts and to celebrate their influence on popular culture. Over the years, the Reuben Award has evolved to include various categories, reflecting the diverse nature of the cartooning profession.
Categories
The Reuben Award is divided into several categories, each recognizing excellence in different aspects of cartooning. These categories include:
- **Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year**: The highest honor, awarded to a cartoonist who has demonstrated exceptional skill and influence over the past year.
- **Comic Strips**: Recognizing excellence in daily and Sunday comic strips.
- **Editorial Cartoons**: Awarded to cartoonists who excel in political and social commentary.
- **Magazine Cartoons**: For cartoonists whose work appears in magazines.
- **Book Illustration**: Recognizing outstanding illustrations in books.
- **Graphic Novels**: Awarded to creators of long-form, narrative-driven comics.
- **Animation**: Recognizing excellence in animated films and television shows.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Reuben Award involves multiple stages. Initially, members of the NCS nominate candidates in each category. A committee then reviews the nominations and selects finalists. The final winners are chosen by a vote of the NCS membership. This rigorous process ensures that the award reflects the consensus of the professional cartooning community.
Notable Recipients
Over the years, many renowned cartoonists have received the Reuben Award. Some notable recipients include:
- Charles Schulz: Creator of the beloved comic strip "Peanuts."
- Bill Watterson: Known for the iconic comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes."
- Gary Larson: Creator of "The Far Side," a single-panel comic known for its surreal humor.
- Matt Groening: Creator of "The Simpsons," one of the most influential animated television shows.
Impact on the Cartooning Industry
The Reuben Award has had a significant impact on the cartooning industry. It has helped to elevate the status of cartoonists and bring greater recognition to their work. Winning a Reuben Award can enhance a cartoonist's career, leading to increased opportunities and visibility. The award also serves as a benchmark of excellence, inspiring cartoonists to strive for higher standards in their craft.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like any prestigious award, the Reuben Award has faced its share of criticisms and controversies. Some have argued that the selection process can be subjective and influenced by personal biases. Others have pointed out that certain categories, such as webcomics, have been underrepresented. Despite these criticisms, the Reuben Award remains a highly respected accolade within the cartooning community.
Future of the Reuben Award
The Reuben Award continues to evolve, reflecting changes in the cartooning industry. As new forms of media and technology emerge, the NCS has adapted the award categories to include digital and web-based content. This ensures that the Reuben Award remains relevant and continues to honor the best in cartooning, regardless of the medium.