Some of the biggest names in popular film, literature, television and music will be recognized during the 60th anniversary Western Heritage Awards, scheduled for September 17 – 18, 2021, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The event has been expanded to honor individuals from both 2020 and 2021.
New this year, individuals in the literature and music categories will be recognized during a special awards luncheon on Friday, September 17. All other inductees and honorees will be recognized during the Western Heritage Awards Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 18 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
“We’re so proud to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this iconic event, which honors the individuals and creative works that continue the special legacy of the American West,” said Natalie Shirley, Museum president & CEO. “With both the 2020 and 2021 honorees and inductees being recognized this year, it’s sure to be an exciting weekend.”
For ticket information and other schedule updates, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/westernheritageawards.
2021 Western Heritage Awards Honoree List
LITERATURE
Western Novel
The King of Taos: A Novel by the late Max Evans, published by the University of New Mexico Press.
Nonfiction Book
Sand Creek and the Tragic End of a Lifeway by Louis Kraft, published by the University of Oklahoma Press
Art/Photography Book
Making a Hand: The Art of H.D. Bugbee by Michael Grauer, published by Texas A&M University Press
Juvenile Book
Silverbelly by S.J. Dahlstrom, published by Paul Dry Books.
Magazine Article
“Transitions in the Changing West: The Photographic Legacy of Jessamine Spear Johnson,” by Tempe J. Javitz, published in Montana: The Magazine of Western History by the Montana Historical Society
Poetry Book
Second Wind by Patricia Frolander, published by High Plains Press
MUSIC
Original Western Composition
“El Caballo Del Fuego,” recording artist Doug Figgs/The Cowboy Way, composed by Doug Figgs, Floyd Beard, Mariam Funke
Traditional Western Album
A Place to Land, recording artist Kristyn Harris, produced by Aaron Meador
FILM & TELEVISION HONOREES
Western Lifestyle Program
Today’s Wild West, E307 produced by Mark Bedor at Today’s Wild West LLC
Theatrical Motion Picture
News of the World, starring Tom Hanks, produced by Universal Pictures
Documentary
Charlie Russell’s Old West, by coproducer and director Gus Chambers and writer and coproducer Paul Zalis at MontanaPBS
Fictional Drama
“I Killed a Man Today,” Yellowstone, S3, E8 starring Kevin Costner, written by Taylor Sheridan
