The CARICON Prize Awards Gala
The night Caribbean literature takes its seat at the table.
Reserve Your PlaceJulia Alvarez
Author of In the Time of the Butterflies and one of the most celebrated voices in the Caribbean literary tradition. This September, CARICON honors a body of work that helped carry Caribbean and diaspora storytelling into the global canon.
Three Honors. One Stage. September 27.
Presented live from The Kult LA in Downtown Los Angeles.
The 2025 CARICON Prize Laureates
This year, we present their trophies — and three of them will be here to receive them.
Amy M. Alvarez
Born in New York City to Jamaican and Puerto Rican parents, Alvarez wrote Makeshift Altar, winner of both the 2025 American Book Award and the 2025 CARICON Prize. An Affrilachian Poet published in Ploughshares and Poetry, she teaches at Boston College.
Angie Cruz
Bestselling author of Dominicana, a GMA Book Club pick shortlisted for the Women's Prize, Cruz makes her picture-book debut with Angélica and la Güira — a jubilant story of music bridging the Dominican Republic and Washington Heights.
Desmond Hall
Born in Jamaica and raised in Jamaica, Queens, Hall is the author of Your Corner Dark and the acclaimed thriller Better Must Come. A former teacher and creative director at Spike Lee's Spike DDB, he was named one of Variety's Top 50 Creatives to Watch.
Diana McCaulay
A Jamaican writer, retired environmentalist, and founder of the Jamaica Environment Trust, McCaulay is the author of six novels. Her most recent, A House for Miss Pauline (Dialogue Books, UK / Algonquin Books, US), was honored as the 2025 CARICON Prize Laureate in Fiction.
Dr. Earl Lovelace
One of the Caribbean's most revered literary figures, the Trinidadian novelist and playwright received the 2025 CARICON Prize for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of a landmark body of work.
The Most Prestigious Evening in Caribbean Literary Culture
Two hundred of the most influential voices in Caribbean letters — authors, publishers, scholars, cultural leaders, and diaspora community figures — gather for one night of celebration, ceremony, and history. Three Laureates will be honored — in Fiction, Children's Literature, and Lifetime Achievement — each receiving a cash prize, a handcrafted trophy, and permanent recognition in the Caribbean literary canon.
This is not a reception. This is not a networking dinner. This is the night Caribbean literature takes its seat at the table it was always meant to occupy.
Dress Code: Gala Attire
Our Partners
The organizations standing with Caribbean literary excellence.
Choose Your Place in the Room
Full checkout completes securely on Brushfire.
Reserved for the 40 guests of the Patrons Laureate Circle — a three-course chef's table above the city, before and after the ceremony.
General Admission
Full entry to the Awards Ceremony, a welcome cocktail, and a Commemorative Gala Program.
ReserveStudent Admission
The full experience at the student rate. Valid student ID required at check-in.
ReservePatrons Laureate Circle
Premium seating behind the Laureates, welcome cocktail, and The Laureate's Lounge Rooftop with a three-course chef's table.
ReserveCommunity Sponsor
A table of ten for the organizations and leaders who make this room what it is. Name recognized in the Gala Program.
Sold OutThe CARICON Prize Weekend
The Gala is the crescendo — but the celebration runs all weekend.
The CARICON Weekend Pass
Five events, three days — every ticket for the weekend in one pass.
Sept 25
Welcome Cocktail
Sept 26
Literature, Media & Art Night
Sept 27
Laureates' Brunch
Sept 27
The CARICON Prize Awards Gala
Sept 27