Judges – Griffin Poetry Prize

Every year, the Griffin Trustees select a panel of qualified judges of stature. As stipulated in the Griffin Poetry Prize rules, judges may not be on salary at a publishing house that issues contemporary poetry.

From the hundreds of books submitted and read by the designated judges, they compile a shortlist of up to seven outstanding books of poetry: four International and three Canadian. From the shortlist, the judges will select the final winners in the International and Canadian categories. Shortlisted Canadian books are eligible for both prizes.

The judges have absolute discretion in interpreting the rules, and their decision is final. All decisions of the judges are also unanimous.

Here are the esteemed judges who have awarded the Griffin Poetry Prize each year since its inception. Click the year to view full biographies for that year’s judges.

2021