The Pulitzer Prizes for 1980 were announced on April 14, 1980. A total of 1,550 entries were submitted for prizes in 19 categories of journalism and the arts. Finalists were chosen by expert juries in each category, and winners were then chosen by the 16-member Pulitzer Prize Board, presided over by Clayton Kirkpatrick. For the first time in the Prizes' history, juries were asked to name at least three finalists in each category, and the finalists were announced in addition to the winners. Each prize carried a $1,000 award, except for the Public Service prize, which came with a gold medal. The winner in each category is listed first, in bold, followed by the other finalists.

Journalism awards

Letters, Drama and Music Awards