National Book Award 2026 Winner

The National Book Awards, one of America’s most prestigious literary honors, will return in November 2026 to celebrate exceptional writing across five categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature. Since 1950, the National Book Foundation has used these awards to spotlight works that matter—books that challenge, illuminate, and endure. This year’s ceremony promises to recognize another slate of authors whose contributions have shaped American letters, continuing a legacy that has honored everything from groundbreaking debuts to career-defining collections.

As we await the announcement, the 2026 National Book Awards will once again shine a spotlight on diverse voices and vital stories. Whether you’re curious about which literary achievements will be recognized or simply eager to discover your next great read, this year’s winners are sure to generate conversation and expand reading lists across the country.

Recent National Book Award winners include: Patricia Smith, whose The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems won in 2025; Lena Khalaf Tuffaha for Something About Living in 2024; and Craig Santos Perez for from unincorporated territory in 2023.

When will the 2026 National Book Award winner be announced?

The 2026 National Book Award winner has not been announced yet. The award is typically announced in November; the 2026 announcement is expected around November 20, 2026. This page will be updated with the winner as soon as it is announced.

Recent National Book Award winners

• The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems by Patricia Smith

  2025NBAPoetry

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• Something About Living by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha

  2024NBAPoetry

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• from unincorporated territory by Craig Santos Perez

  2023NBAPoetry

  AmazonBookshop

Browse every National Book Award winner by year.