Is Derek Walcott A-List?
NoB
No — Derek Walcott is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1992
Nobel Prize in Literature
Lost A-list status in 2016
Dropped to B tier — Passes Away
Ranking Timeline
1948C$0.01M
First Collection Published
Self-publishes early work, showing nascent talent.
1954C$0.05M+$0.04M
Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship
Secures funding, enabling full-time writing.
1959B▲$0.1M+$0.05M
Founded Trinidad Theatre Workshop
Establishes a major venue for Caribbean drama.
1990B$0.3M+$0.19999999999999998M
Omeros Published
Epic poem solidifies reputation; gains international attention.
1992A▲$0.7M+$0.39999999999999997M
Nobel Prize in Literature
Wins Nobel; cements legacy as major writer.
2016B▼$1M+$0.30000000000000004M
Passes Away
Leaves behind a rich literary legacy.
Last updated: February 23, 2026