Opinion: Famous Artists Shouldn’t Win Charity Prizes

The decision to give the first Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award to Tony Kushner, the Pulitzer Prize-winner author of Angels in America is inappropriate, says Terry Teachout, the drama critic for The Wall Street Journal.

The prize, given by the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, carries with it a $200,000 award. Mr. Teachout says the trust’s intention to use the prize to support “the growth and talent of outstanding playwrights . . . and encourage them to stay in their field” will not be fulfilled by showering yet another accolade on the well-established Mr. Kushner.