For his incisive film reviews that, with aplomb, embrace a wide spectrum of movies and often explore their connection to larger issues in society or the arts.

For his engaging, authoritative drama reviews that fuse passion and knowledge as he helps readers understand what makes a play or a performance successful.

For his columns that close the distance between the reader and the rough streets of the city, confronting hard realities without leaving people to feel hopeless.

For his illumination of the nation's most pressing and complex economic concerns, from health care reform to the worst recession in decades.

For a story that chronicles the urgent life-and-death decisions made by one hospital's exhausted doctors when they were cut off by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina. (Moved by the Board to the Investigative Reporting category.)

For his portfolio of closely observed pieces that movingly capture how the great recession is changing lives and relationships in America.

For his riveting account of being held prisoner by the Taliban for seven months before his dramatic escape, using his eye for detail to depict memorably his militant captors.

For his coverage of the disputed election in Iran and its bloody aftermath, marked by firsthand knowledge and close-up portraits of individuals caught up in events.

For their examination of the nation's financial collapse and notably on the involvement of Goldman Sachs.

For their tenacious reporting on how design flaws and weak federal oversight contributed to a potentially lethal problem with Toyota vehicles, resulting in corrective steps and a congressional inquiry.