Since 1981, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has conferred the MacArthur Fellowship—commonly known as the MacArthur "genius" award—on more than 1,000 individuals who have shown exceptional creativity, originality, and potential to make important contributions in their fields and advance human knowledge and well-being.
Here is a list of some of the most widely known MacArthur genius award winners:
- Ta-Nehisi Coates: Journalist and author known for his writing on race and social issues, particularly in the United States.
- Elizabeth Gilbert: Author of the bestselling memoir "Eat, Pray, Love" and several other books about personal growth and travel.
- Junot Díaz: Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" and other works of fiction and non-fiction.
- Bryan Stevenson: Lawyer and social justice advocate who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal representation to indigent defendants and challenges racial bias in the criminal justice system.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Nigerian author of several novels and short stories, including the award-winning "Half of a Yellow Sun."
- Shonda Rhimes: Television producer, writer, and director known for creating successful TV series such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal."
- Yo-Yo Ma: Cellist and cultural ambassador who has performed with renowned orchestras and musicians around the world.
- Margaret Atwood: Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, and environmental activist known for her works of speculative fiction, including the dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale."
- Malala Yousafzai: Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Actor, composer, and lyricist known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals "Hamilton" and "In the Heights."
- Neil Gaiman: British author of speculative fiction, including the popular graphic novels "The Sandman" and "Coraline."
- Steve - Jobs: Co-founder of Apple Inc., known for his revolutionary contributions to the technology industry and his leadership in creating innovative products.