Sarah Howe Wins Forward Poetry Prize for Best Collection 2026

Sarah Howe has won the Forward Prize for Best Collection, one of the UK's most prestigious poetry awards, for her second collection Foretokens. The announcement came during a ceremony hosted by Joelle Taylor at London's Southbank Centre on Saturday evening, where Howe was awarded £10,000.

Foretokens explores new parenthood, the death of her father, and her mother's early life in Hong Kong. Howe, born in Hong Kong to an English father and a Chinese mother, has crafted a collection that delves into genetics, time's relativity, and family history.

The win comes a decade after her debut, Loop of Jade, became the first debut collection to win the TS Eliot Prize. Foretokens was also shortlisted for the 2025 TS Eliot Prize, further cementing Howe's place in contemporary poetry.

What the Forward Prize Win Means for Sarah Howe

The Forward Prize is awarded annually for the best collection, first collection, and best single poem. Winning the best collection category is a significant achievement, especially for a second collection that arrives ten years after a debut.

Howe's win highlights the enduring relevance of poetry that tackles personal and universal themes. The £10,000 prize not only provides financial support but also brings increased visibility to the poet's work.

Mónica Parle, co-executive director of the Forward prizes, described Foretokens as "an exceptional collection" that "can emerge after 10 years in the making and still bear distinct relevance to our time." This recognition underscores the collection's timely resonance.

Critical Acclaim for Foretokens

Reviewing Foretokens for the Guardian, Rishi Dastidar called it "a quite brilliant return," praising Howe's "keen, probing intelligence." He noted that Howe takes on "the biggest of subjects – genetics, time's relativity, becoming a parent – as well as re-examining her mother's occluded history in Hong Kong."

Dastidar also observed a new anger in Howe's tonal range, which brings "a pleasing sharpness to her investigations." This evolution in style suggests a poet willing to confront difficult emotions and histories with candor.

The collection's shortlisting for the TS Eliot Prize earlier this year further attests to its quality. Although it did not win that prize, the recognition from both awards signals broad critical approval.

Other Winners at the Forward Prizes

The Forward Prizes also recognized three other winners. Nur Turkmani, a Lisbon-based poet who grew up in Beirut, won the £5,000 Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection for f (the title is truncated in the source). This award highlights emerging talent and provides a platform for new voices.

The other winners include the best single poem and the inaugural prize for best poem in a magazine. These categories celebrate the diversity of poetic forms and the vitality of the poetry community.

The ceremony, hosted by Joelle Taylor, brought together poets, publishers, and poetry lovers to celebrate excellence in the field. The Forward Prizes continue to be a vital force in promoting poetry in the UK and beyond.

Key Takeaways from the 2025 Forward Prizes

• Sarah Howe won the Forward Prize for Best Collection for Foretokens, receiving £10,000.
• The collection explores parenthood, grief, and family history, particularly her mother's life in Hong Kong.
• Howe's debut, Loop of Jade, made history by winning the TS Eliot Prize in 2015.
• Foretokens was also shortlisted for the 2025 TS Eliot Prize, earning critical acclaim.
• Nur Turkmani won the Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection for her work f.
• The Forward Prizes celebrate both established and emerging poets, with awards across multiple categories.

How the Forward Prize Compares to Other Poetry Awards

The Forward Prize is often mentioned alongside the TS Eliot Prize and the Costa Poetry Award as one of the UK's top poetry accolades. Each has its own criteria and prestige, but all aim to honor exceptional poetry.

While the TS Eliot Prize carries a larger monetary award, the Forward Prize is equally respected for its commitment to recognizing both established and new poets. The Jerwood Prize, specifically for first collections, provides an important stepping stone for emerging writers.

What to Watch Next for Sarah Howe

With Foretokens now awarded the Forward Prize, attention turns to Howe's future projects. Given the collection's exploration of parenthood and personal history, readers might anticipate further meditations on family and identity. The background to this story is set out in TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Led by Andrew Motion and Jorie Graham. A related thread runs through Chinese Workers' Poetry Wins Top Literary Awards: A New Wave.

Howe's academic background and her role as a lecturer at University College London suggest she will continue to influence the poetry landscape through teaching and mentorship. Her work has already inspired a new generation of poets. Earlier coverage in Celebrity: latest articles shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize for This Music May Contain Hope.

The poetry world will also be watching how the Forward Prize win affects the reception of Foretokens. Awards often lead to increased sales and readership, potentially bringing Howe's work to a wider audience. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Sarah J Maas New Book Sparks Romantasy Fan Mania. The same theme surfaces in Manchester United Manager Hunt: Can Anyone End the Doom Loop, which takes a different angle.