Award success for Independent journalists

The Independent has been shortlisted in seven categories in the British Press Awards, the national newspaper industry's most prestigious annual prizes. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in London next month.

Business and Finance Journalist of the Year

Our acclaimed economics commentator Hamish McRae has been selected for his coverage of the stock market and his explorations of the fiscal issues confronting the British Government in the aftermath of the global banking crisis.

Cartoonist of the Year

Dave Brown, whose work is admired for its wit and virtuosity, won the judges over with a portfolio of three outstanding visual riffs on the travails of Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Alistair Darling.

Columnist of the Year

Ian Birrell's superb writing on public services, disability and world affairs, often informed by personal experience, has seen him recognised in this important category.

Foreign Reporter of the Year

Robert Fisk, The Independent's distinguished Middle East correspondent, scored an impressive scoop with his revelation that the dollar was to be superseded as the global reserve currency. This, and his vivid reporting from Iran, secured him a place on the shortlist.

Feature Writer of the Year

A writer of passion and integrity, Johann Hari has been shortlisted for his stunning articles on the oppression of women in Africa, the last days of the Dubai "bubble", and the terrifying psychology of British jihadis.

Specialist Journalist of the Year

Terri Judd's reporting of the post-traumatic stress suffered by soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan was not just agenda-setting but brought home the realities of modern conflict.

The Cudlipp Award for Outstanding Tabloid Journalism

When the shadow Home Secretary compared Britain's streets to those depicted in the US television show The Wire, we decided to put his claims to the test. Our crime correspondent Mark Hughes swapped places with his counterpart on the Baltimore Sun. The experiment yielded a landmark series of articles exploring crime, politics, community and punishment on both sides of the Atlantic.