The NCS at 80
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The National Cartoonists Society (NCS) is embarking on a year long celebration of its founding in 1946. That includes the 80th annual presentation of The Reuben Award later this year at their convention.
This year’s anniversary will be marked throughout the year with special programming, events, and community celebrations, including:
- The 80th Anniversary Annual Reuben Awards and NCS Conference, August 6–8, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, featuring special anniversary programming and celebrations
- A public NCS Cartoonists Showcase in partnership with the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum and CXC (Cartoons Crossroads Columbus)
- 80th anniversary presentations at comic conventions across the country
- Anniversary merchandise and commemorative items
- A community board where NCS members, friends and fans can share their favorite Society memories
Registration for the 2026 Reuben Awards and NCS Conference opens March 31. Details at nationalcartoonists.com/reubens
Kicking it off is a wonderful poster by Dee Fish featuring the silly humanoid creatures of the Reuben Award.
From the NCS Newsletter issued this weekend:
On March 1, 1946, 26 cartoonists gathered at the Barberry Room in Manhattan and founded what would become the world’s most prestigious professional organization for cartoonists. Eight decades later, we’re still here — still drawing, still connecting, still finding our people.
We’ve launched a dedicated 80th Anniversary page with the story of how we got here and what we have planned. Read it here → nationalcartoonists.com/80years
And we want to hear from YOU. Share a favorite NCS memory, a word of congratulations, or a piece of art on our community board — whether it’s a cartoonist who inspired you, a strip you grew up reading, or just a love of the art form.
See and add NCS memories here → NCS Kudoboard
Coming soon:
2026 REUBEN AWARD NOMINEES
The Reuben Award is presented to the Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year.
Join us in Columbus to celebrate this year’s nominees!
Nominees will be announced in April.
2026 REUBEN DIVISIONAL AWARD NOMINEES
The NCS Division Awards recognize excellence across cartooning categories including comic strips, graphic novels, editorial cartoons, webcomics, illustration, and more.
Nominees will be announced in April.
2026 SPECIAL AWARD HONOREES
The NCS recognizes exceptional contributions to the art form and the community through our special awards.
Honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
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