Nominations for the 2026 FOI Awards 

Freedom of Information Oklahoma's annual awards celebrate people and organizations who exemplify the values of and fight tirelessly for transparency, freedom of information and the First Amendment. We also identify those who go out of their way to keep things in the dark. Nominations are open for the 2026 FOI Awards. Honorees will be announced on Oct. 23 at the Oklahoma Local News Summit in Tulsa.

We are asking local journalists and leaders from across the state to submit nominations for awards by Sept. 1. Please submit names and a brief explanation for the nomination. We may contact you and ask for additional information. Winners will be selected by an FOI Oklahoma committee.

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Marian Opala First Amendment Award

Named for the late state Supreme Court Justice Marian Opala, this award recognizes individuals who have promoted education about or protection of the individual rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.

View list of award recipients →


Please provide an explanation for why this person should be nominated for the Marian Opala First Amendment Award. 

Ben Blackstock Award

Named for retired Oklahoma Press Association Executive Director Ben Blackstock, this award recognizes a non-governmental person or organization that has shown a commitment to freedom of information.

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Please provide an explanation for why this person should be nominated for the Ben Blackstock Award. 

Bickham-Hale Service Award

The Bickham-Hale Service Award is awarded to the volunteer or board member who provides outstanding service to FOI Oklahoma. It is named after FOI Oklahoma’s founder Sue Hale and longtime executive director Kay Bickham.

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Please provide an explanation for why this person should be nominated for the Bickham-Hale Service Award. 

Sunshine Award

Recognizes a public official or governmental body that has shown a commitment to freedom of information.

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Please provide an explanation for why this public official or governmental body should be nominated for Sunshine Award.

Black Hole Award

Recognizes a government agency or public body that has most thwarted the free flow of information in Oklahoma.

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Please provide an explanation for why this agency or public body should be nominated for the Black Hole Award. 
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