For a distinguished cartoon or portfolio of cartoons published during the year, characterized by originality, editorial effectiveness, quality of drawing and pictorial effect, in print or in print and online, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

Awarded to Michael Ramirez of Investor's Business Daily for his provocative cartoons that rely on originality, humor and detailed artistry.

Richard Oppel, Pulitzer Board co-chair (left), presents the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Cartooning to Michael Ramirez of Investor's Business Daily.

Finalists

Also nominated as finalists in this category were: Tom Batiuk of King Features for a sequence in his cartoon strip "Funky Winkerbean" that portrays a woman's poignant battle with breast cancer, and Clay Bennett of The Christian Science Monitor for his distinctive cartoons marked by sharp focus and pungent simplicity.