The MacArthur Foundation announced the recipients of its 2015 “genius grant” on Monday, with 24 creative people being honored including “Hamilton” composer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda (pictured above) and veteran theater artist and puppeteer Basil Twist.
“These 24 delightfully diverse MacArthur Fellows are shedding light and making progress on critical issues, pushing the boundaries of their fields, and improving our world in imaginative, unexpected ways,” MacArthur President Julia Stasch said in a statement on the foundation’s website. “Their work, their commitment, and their creativity inspire us all.”
Each year, the Chicago-based foundation recognizes scientists, scholars or leaders in history, economics, sociology, community development and other fields. Fellows receive $625,000 over five years with no strings attached.
Other artistic honorees this year included novelist Ben Lerner, author Ta-Nehisi Coates, dancer-choreographer Michelle Dorrance, painter Nicole Eisenman and video artist LaToya Ruby Frazier.
Miranda previously won a Tony Award in 2008 for his work on the Broadway musical “In the Heights.”
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world.
In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, the Foundation works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.
See the full list of 2015 MacArthur Fellows here.