Here is a breakdown of awards and honors Hour Detroit received in 2026 at two prestigious awards ceremonies.
SPJ Detroit’s 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards
Hour Detroit staff and contributors earned six awards for work appearing in the magazine at the 2026 Excellence in Journalism awards. The ceremony takes place annually and is hosted by the Society of Professional Journalists — Detroit Chapter. It honors the outstanding individual contributions of journalists across southeast Michigan. Its categories include broadcast, print, and digital.
Allan Lengel won first place in Feature Reporting (Print Class C) for his piece “Finding Jimmy Hoffa” that appeared in Hour Detroit’s July 2025 issue. As the judges noted: “Well-researched, very detailed, beautifully written — this story takes you on a journey.”
Bill Dow won second place in the same category for “Tom Selleck Returns to His Roots,” which appeared in the November 2025 issue. Chuk Nowak — who photographed Dow’s piece — was selected for inclusion in the 2026 American Photography archive for his portrait of Selleck, as well as one he captured of actor J.K. Simmons in Hour Detroit’s September 2025 issue.
Natalia Holzman earned not one — but two awards at the competition. She received first place for Health Reporting (Print Class C) for “Examining Cancer Care,” her deep dive on local oncologists addressing the needs of underserved populations. Judges noted the article was “a compelling, thorough look at cancer.” Additionally, she received second place in Arts Reporting/Criticism (Digital).
Drinks contributor Mickey Lyons earned first place in Food Reporting/Reviews (Print Class C) for three of her columns: “To Great Company,” “A Final Toast to 2025,” and “An Ode To Your Platonic Dive Bar,” which judges considered “the best of the collection.”
Creative director Lindsay Richards earned first place Best Cover (Print Class C) for Hour Detroit’s July 2025 Lake Towns cover, which features a colorful illustration by Jacqui Oakley.
Hour Detroit’s restaurant critic, Serena Maria Daniels, received second place in Food Writing (Digital) for three stories published last year on her Substack, Midwest Mexican. Additionally, on May 28, it was announced that her essay “When the Food Journalist Needs Food Stamps” — which appeared in Bon Appétit — will be part of the Best American Food and Travel Writing 2026.
2026 National City & Regional Magazine Awards
The National City & Regional Magazine Awards is an annual ceremony honoring regional magazines in 38 categories including writing, design, and best of show. Hour Detroit was a finalist in three categories: General Excellence, Cover Excellence (for the July, August, and September 2025 covers), as well as Food or Dining Section (for the October and November 2025 issues).
Judges wrote the magazine “deserves to be recognized for its editorial excellence.” They noted it “belongs at the head of the class in this category. Many small but significant editorial details brought smiles to judges’ faces.”
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