Is Octavia E. Butler A-List?
NoB
No — Octavia E. Butler is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1995
MacArthur Fellowship Awarded
Lost A-list status in 2006
Dropped to B tier — Octavia Butler Passes Away
Ranking Timeline
1976D$0.001M
Patternmaster Publication
Publishes Patternmaster, gaining recognition in Science Fiction.
1984C▲$0.05M+$0.049M
Hugo Award Winner
Wins Hugo Award for short story, increasing visibility.
1995A▲▲$1M+$0.95M
MacArthur Fellowship Awarded
Receives MacArthur Fellowship, solidifying her status as important author.
2006B▼$4M+$3M
Octavia Butler Passes Away
Octavia Butler passes away but leaves behind vast works.
2026B$4M
Lasting Influence on Genre
Continues to influence speculative fiction with her books.
Last updated: February 24, 2026