Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is a playwright, writer whose BroadwayWorld credits include Purple Rain, Grass, and Purpose. Awards include Drama Desk Awards for Purpose (2025).
Latest News on Branden Jacobs-Jenkins:
Photos
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Writer
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Purpose
winner
The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, The Comeuppance
The Pulitzer Prize - 2018 - Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Everybody
Drama League Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Gloria
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Gloria
The Pulitzer Prize - 2016 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Gloria
Drama League Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, An Octoroon
winner
Obie Awards - 2014 - Best New American Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Appropriate and An Octoroon
Videos
Video: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins & Glenn Davis Celebrate Tony Win for Best Play
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-09 00:16:33
Video: Kara Young Discusses Tony Nominations and Artistic Journey on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 15:59:50
Video: Jon Michael Hill Is Glad for the Universality of PURPOSE
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-05 11:25:41
Video: Harry Lennix Is Overjoyed, Overwhelmed, and Grateful for PURPOSE
by Joey Mervis - 2025-05-31 18:00:20
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Is Grateful to Be Given the Grace of Opportunity
by Joey Mervis - 2025-05-26 14:00:20
Video: PURPOSE Cast Talks 'Genius' Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins & More on TAMRON HALL
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-18 11:35:37
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Talks PURPOSE and Directing Husband Samuel L. Jackson in THE PIANO LESSON
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-08 15:27:08
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Shares What She Wrote on New Sardi's Portrait
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-27 14:37:55
Video: Olivia Puckett Shares Her Experience Working on the All-Female ALL NIGHTER
by Survival Jobs - 2025-03-20 15:11:40
News
LITTLE MISS PERFECT Creator Joriah Kwamé to Receive 2026 Stephen Schwartz Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2026
Dramatists Guild Foundation has named composer, lyricist, playwright, and former DGF Fellow Joriah Kwamé is the 2026 recipient of the Stephen Schwartz Award.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2026
Dramatists Guild Foundation has named composer, lyricist, playwright, and former DGF Fellow Joriah Kwamé is the 2026 recipient of the Stephen Schwartz Award.
André De Shields, Jasmine Cephas Jones and More to be Honored by AAFCA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2026
The African American Film Critics Association will present its fifth annual AAFCA Goes to Broadway Luncheon, recognizing Broadway artists and cultural leaders including André De Shields, Jasmine Cephas Jones and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2026
The African American Film Critics Association will present its fifth annual AAFCA Goes to Broadway Luncheon, recognizing Broadway artists and cultural leaders including André De Shields, Jasmine Cephas Jones and more.
Review: A Play With PURPOSE
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 4, 2026
What did our critic think of PURPOSE at The Huntington?
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 4, 2026
What did our critic think of PURPOSE at The Huntington?
Video: PURPOSE at The Huntington Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 25, 2026
The Huntington shared a story trailer for Purpose, the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston.
by Joshua Wright - Sep 25, 2026
The Huntington shared a story trailer for Purpose, the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston.
Playwright Jocelyn Bioh to Join Cast of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY For Four Performances
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2026
Actor and Tony Award-nominated playwright Jocelyn Bioh will join the cast of her own play, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play for four performances only. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2026
Actor and Tony Award-nominated playwright Jocelyn Bioh will join the cast of her own play, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play for four performances only. Learn more here!
Review: APPROPRIATE at St. Louis Tennessee Williams Festival, At COCA
by Steve Callahan - Sep 20, 2026
An excellent production of a strong play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
by Steve Callahan - Sep 20, 2026
An excellent production of a strong play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
REVIEW: The Ensemble Theatre’s Purpose Is a Funny, Fierce, and Deeply Human Family Affair
by Armando Urdiales - Sep 20, 2026
What occurs when your family name has more importance than you do? This question sits at the center of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' play Purpose, currently being performed at The Ensemble Theatre, and the answer is messy, hilarious, uncomfortable, and profoundly human. Because of the direction by Eileen J. Morris and a highly committed six-member cast, Purpose turns into more than just a play concerning one particular family; it makes a sharp study of legacy, identity, politics, faith, family expectations and the at times painful journey of working out who you are when all the other people have already told you who you should be.
by Armando Urdiales - Sep 20, 2026
What occurs when your family name has more importance than you do? This question sits at the center of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' play Purpose, currently being performed at The Ensemble Theatre, and the answer is messy, hilarious, uncomfortable, and profoundly human. Because of the direction by Eileen J. Morris and a highly committed six-member cast, Purpose turns into more than just a play concerning one particular family; it makes a sharp study of legacy, identity, politics, faith, family expectations and the at times painful journey of working out who you are when all the other people have already told you who you should be.
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, PURPOSE and More Among Most-Produced Shows of 2026-27
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 16, 2026
John Proctor Is the Villain leads American Theatre's survey of the most-produced plays of the 2026-27 season, with Purpose, Eureka Day and Liberation also among the top titles. August Wilson leads the playwright tally.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 16, 2026
John Proctor Is the Villain leads American Theatre's survey of the most-produced plays of the 2026-27 season, with Purpose, Eureka Day and Liberation also among the top titles. August Wilson leads the playwright tally.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' GRASS World Premiere is Coming to Park Ave Armory
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026
Park Avenue Armory will present the world premiere of GRASS, a new commission from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins in partnership with National Black Theatre, directed by Sarah Benson.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026
Park Avenue Armory will present the world premiere of GRASS, a new commission from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins in partnership with National Black Theatre, directed by Sarah Benson.
SoCal Premiere of Dominique Morisseau's CONFEDERATES to be Presented at Fountain Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
Fountain Theatre artistic director Raymond O. Caldwell will direct the Southern California premiere of Confederates, a smart, funny and moving comedy-drama by Dominique Morisseau.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026
Fountain Theatre artistic director Raymond O. Caldwell will direct the Southern California premiere of Confederates, a smart, funny and moving comedy-drama by Dominique Morisseau.
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE at The Huntington
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 4, 2026
Go behind the scenes of Purpose at The Huntington with director Josiah Davis and cast members Ezra Knight, Omari K. Chancellor and Kalyne Ashley Coleman as they discuss Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning family drama. Watch the video.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 4, 2026
Go behind the scenes of Purpose at The Huntington with director Josiah Davis and cast members Ezra Knight, Omari K. Chancellor and Kalyne Ashley Coleman as they discuss Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning family drama. Watch the video.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 4, 2026- THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Welcomes New Stars and More
by - Sep 4, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 4, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Sep 4, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 4, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Wayne Brady to Host Dramatists Guild Foundation's 2026 Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 3, 2026
Five-time Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady will host the Dramatists Guild Foundation's annual Gala, honoring Sue Frost, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and R. Patrick Morrow.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 3, 2026
Five-time Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady will host the Dramatists Guild Foundation's annual Gala, honoring Sue Frost, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and R. Patrick Morrow.
ANNIE & More Lead Atlanta's September 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Sep 3, 2026
Atlanta is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for September 2026 include Annie and more.
by Team BWW - Sep 3, 2026
Atlanta is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for September 2026 include Annie and more.
Interview: Sophia Walker & André Morin of OHIO STATE MURDERS and A NEW WORK IN PROGRESS at Shaw Festival
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Sep 4, 2026
Celebrated Canadian actors Sophia Walker and André Morin are, as they say, 'booked and busy.' Walker and Morin star in not only one Shaw Festival production this season, but two: Ohio State Murders and A New Work in Progress.
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Sep 4, 2026
Celebrated Canadian actors Sophia Walker and André Morin are, as they say, 'booked and busy.' Walker and Morin star in not only one Shaw Festival production this season, but two: Ohio State Murders and A New Work in Progress.
Mo Holmes Receives 2026 Yale Drama Series Prize for AMANDA
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
Playwright Mo Holmes will receive the Yale Drama Series Prize for AMANDA, selected by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, with a staged reading planned at Yale Schwarzman Center.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2026
Playwright Mo Holmes will receive the Yale Drama Series Prize for AMANDA, selected by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, with a staged reading planned at Yale Schwarzman Center.
Cast and Creative Team Set for PURPOSE at The Huntington
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2026
The Huntington has revealed the cast and creative team of Purpose, a sharp family drama written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Josiah Davis, set to be presented this fall.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2026
The Huntington has revealed the cast and creative team of Purpose, a sharp family drama written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Josiah Davis, set to be presented this fall.
Interview: Producing Artistic Director Jada Suzanne Dixon On Curious Theatre Company's Season 29 at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
by Joshua Wright - Aug 12, 2026
Curious Theatre Company Producing Artistic Director Jada Suzanne Dixon discusses staging Season 29 in residence at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance's Historic Shorter AME building, a partnership with deep personal and family significance.
by Joshua Wright - Aug 12, 2026
Curious Theatre Company Producing Artistic Director Jada Suzanne Dixon discusses staging Season 29 in residence at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance's Historic Shorter AME building, a partnership with deep personal and family significance.
EVERYBODY by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Set for TCG Books Publication
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2026
TCG Books will publish Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Pulitzer Prize-finalist play EVERYBODY, now available for pre-order ahead of its release.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2026
TCG Books will publish Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Pulitzer Prize-finalist play EVERYBODY, now available for pre-order ahead of its release.
Four Plays Worth Leaving Home For
by Robert Diamond - Aug 10, 2026
Single tickets are now on sale for a season of Pulitzer winners, regional premieres, and unforgettable conversations.
by Robert Diamond - Aug 10, 2026
Single tickets are now on sale for a season of Pulitzer winners, regional premieres, and unforgettable conversations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Branden Jacobs-Jenkins written?
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has written 4 shows including Appropriate (Playwright), WAR (Playwright), Everybody (Playwright), Gloria (Writer).
What awards has Branden Jacobs-Jenkins been nominated for?
Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purpose, Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for The Comeuppance, Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Everybody, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for Gloria, Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gloria, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Gloria, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for An Octoroon and Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for Appropriate and An Octoroon.
What awards has Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won?
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has won the following awards: Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Purpose, Outstanding Play at The Lortels for The Comeuppance, and Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for Appropriate and An Octoroon.
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