Writer, Filmmaker and Commentator, Whose Work Has Influenced Contemporary American Culture and Policies
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation has announced that Christopher F. Rufo, a writer, filmmaker and commentator, whose work has influenced contemporary American culture and policies, is a 2025 Bradley Prize winner. Rufo will receive the award at the Bradley Prizes ceremony on Thursday May 29th at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
Now in its 21st year, the Bradley Prize is awarded to individuals whose extraordinary work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism.
“Chris has galvanized a public understanding of American exceptionalism and defends vigorously the principles that have made America a land of freedom and opportunity,” said Rick Graber, president of The Bradley Foundation. “He has reinvigorated conservatives by showing that it’s possible to restore vital American institutions to their intended purpose. Chris’ stated goal to protect, restore and reanimate the timeless principles of the American Revolution is strongly aligned with the long-standing mission of The Bradley Foundation. We are pleased to award him with a Bradley Prize.”
As in the past, this year’s award winners were chosen by the Bradley Prizes Selection Committee, after careful review of over 60 distinguished nominations. Each award carries a stipend of $300,000.
“Winning the Bradley Prize is an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” said Rufo. “This award reaffirms my commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, and civic engagement—values that have guided my work. I extend my heartfelt thanks to The Bradley Foundation for their support and to my colleagues, mentors, and family, whose encouragement has been invaluable.”
Rufo is a senior fellow and director of the initiative on critical race theory at the Manhattan Institute. He is also a contributing editor of City Journal, where his writing explores a range of issues, including critical race theory, gender ideology, homelessness, addiction, crime, and the decline of American cities. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, America’s Cultural Revolution.
Rufo’s research has informed federal and state policy makers across the country. As a filmmaker, he has directed four documentaries for PBS, Netflix, and international television, including America Lost, which tells the story of three “forgotten American cities.”
Rufo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University and a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Harvard University.