The In The Heights lyricist, who is enjoying huge success with new musical Hamilton, joins the likes of journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, theatre set designer Mimi Lien and puppeteer Basil Twist, who are all being recognised for their art.

The award, from officials at the John D. and Catherine T. MACArthur Foundation, comes with a no strings attached stipend of $625,000 (£390,625), paid out over five years.

Organisation bosses established the MACArthur Fellows Program in 1981 to celebrate and inspire artists' creative potential.