Offered since 1954, the James Laughlin Award is given to recognize and support a second book of poetry forthcoming in the next calendar year. The award was endowed in 1995 by a gift to the Academy from the Drue Heinz Trust. It is named for the poet and publisher James Laughlin (1914–1997), who founded New Directions in 1936.
The winning poet receives a prize of $5,000, an all-expenses-paid weeklong residency at The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, and distribution of the winning book to approximately one thousand Academy of American Poets members.
Submissions for the 2025 James Laughlin Award will be accepted from January 1, 2025 to May 15, 2025.
The judges of the 2025 James Laughlin Award are Tyree Daye, Richie Hofmann, and Donika Kelly.