Everyone’s favorite 8,000-word post is back! It’s time for the (now sixth!) annual Orca Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in crossword construction and editing throughout several categories in 2016.

For the past two years the Orcas have been spread out over a whole week. It was consistent with the theory that fine crosswords should be savored like fine wine. But this time around we’re chugging the whole box jug bottle, as we return to a single post format with all the winners and nominees. Each puzzle category will feature the winner, along with a list of the other nominees (except for Best Crossword, which features just the winner, with the understanding that winners and nominees in other categories were considered for Best Crossword too). So let’s get on with it! Continue reading →