The Society for East Asian Anthropology recognizes three categories for outstanding contributions to the field of East Asian Anthropology. For more information on each award, see the specific award page.
- Francis L.K. Hsu Book Prize
This award recognizes the English-language book published in the previous calendar year judged to have made the most significant contribution to the field. The prize is named for the late Francis L.K. Hsu (1909-2000), renowned cross-cultural anthropologist and former President (1977-78) of the American Anthropological Association. - Nancy Abelmann Prize for Outstanding Graduate Student Paper
This award recognizes the best graduate student paper on any aspect of East Asian anthropology and/or East Asian anthropology’s contribution to the broader field. The prize is named in honor of Nancy Abelmann (1959–2016), a renowned Korea scholar who was legendary for her mentorship of advisees and other students in the anthropology of transnationalism and diaspora. - David Plath Media Award
This biennial award recognizes the best work (film, video, audio, and multimedia) on any aspect of East Asian anthropology and/or East Asian anthropology’s contribution to the broader field in the previous two calendar years. The prize is given in even-numbered years and is named in honor of David Plath (1930 – 2022), renowned Japan-scholar and producer of award-winning documentary films.