NEW ORLEANS / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 12, 2026 / The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) has officially opened the nomination window for the 2027 Bright Lights Awards, inviting communities across the state to help recognize the individuals, institutions and organizations safeguarding and shaping Louisiana's cultural legacy.

Formerly known as the Humanities Awards, this prestigious program has stood as the state’s premier cultural benchmark since 1985. For more than 40 years, the Bright Lights Awards have illuminated the vital work of those who deepen our understanding of Louisiana history, literature, film and community life.

Past recipients represent a veritable who’s who of Louisiana cultural luminaries whose contributions have defined the state's identity on a global scale. Past honorees include civil rights pillar Dr. Norman C. Francis, culinary icons Leah Chase and Chef John Folse, musical innovator Michael Doucet, acclaimed biographer Walter Isaacson and decorated author and illustrator William Joyce, to name a few.

“Every year we pause to shine a light on those who explore Louisiana’s past, reflect on our present and imagine our future,” said LEH President and Executive Director Miranda Restovic. “From legendary tradition-bearers and culinary icons to scholars and community leaders, our past honorees reflect the absolute highest caliber of civic and cultural achievement. We look forward to continuing to illuminate our state's remarkable stories with the 2027 Bright Lights Awards.”

Public nominations are open across six distinct categories through Oct. 20.  

• Lifetime Contributions to the Humanities
• Documentary Photographer of the Year
• Humanities Documentary Film of the Year
• Humanities Book of the Year (Note early deadline of Oct. 9)
• Light Up for Literacy
• Best in Digital Humanities         

Awards for Humanist of the Year, Champion of Culture and the Chair’s Award for Institutional Support are nominated and chosen by LEH’s board of directors. All selected honorees will be publicly announced in January 2027. Winners will be celebrated in the pages of LEH’s award-winning 64 Parishes magazine and formally recognized at the annual Bright Lights Awards Dinner, co-hosted by the LEH and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser in Spring 2027.

Full nomination guidelines and category-specific requirements are available at www.leh.org. Complete nominations for all categories must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 20 (except for Humanities Book of the Year nominations, due Oct. 9).