A Night of Literary Triumph: The 76th National Book Awards

The 76th National Book Awards: A Celebration of Literary Excellence

The 76th National Book Awards unfolded as a remarkable exhibition of literary brilliance, cultural defiance, and emotional resonance. Held in the heart of Manhattan, this year's celebration paid tribute to voices from around the world, blending joy with critiques of contemporary social and political landscapes.

Recognizing Outstanding Achievements

Among the prestigious honorees, Rabih Alameddine clinched the Fiction award for his novel The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother). Patricia Smith earned the Poetry prize for her collection The Intentions of Thunder.

Major Winners of 2025

• Rabih Alameddine – Fiction: Alameddine, known for his satirical yet poignant storytelling, was honored for a novel intertwining family, war, and absurdity against the backdrop of modern Lebanon. His acceptance speech navigated from lamenting violence in Gaza to humorously thanking his psychiatrist and gastrointestinal doctor.
• Patricia Smith – Poetry: Smith's collection delves into racial identity, memory, and resilience, offering sharp lyricism and profound introspection. Her speech candidly confronted personal and societal challenges, crediting poetry for healing generational wounds.
• Omar El Akkad – Nonfiction: Canadian-Iranian journalist Omar El Akkad was recognized for One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, a searing critique of the modern West, inspired by the violence in Gaza. He emphasized the emotional toll of chronicling atrocities.
• Daniel Nayeri – Young People's Literature: Iranian-American Daniel Nayeri was celebrated for The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story, a compelling narrative of survival, hope, and identity during global conflict.
• Gabriela Cabezón Cámara – Translated Literature: Argentine author Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, alongside translator Robin Myers, won for We Are Green and Trembling, a lyrical exploration of queer identity and ecological fear. Cámara delivered her speech in Spanish, defiantly addressing anti-immigrant sentiments.

A Night of Protest, Poetry, and Performance

The event also served as a platform for political expression, with authors voicing opposition to immigration raids, Middle East violence, and industry gatekeeping. The emotional atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of past winners and literary legends. Musician Corinne Bailey Rae captivated the audience with a soulful performance, while actor Jeff Heller charmed as the emcee with literary puns, despite a humorous typo in his book title.

Honorary Awards

• George Saunders – Distinguished Contribution to American Letters: Saunders was lauded for his truth-seeking literary legacy, highlighting the significance of revision and introspection in both writing and life.
• Roxane Gay – Literarian Award: Gay was celebrated for her steadfast support of diverse voices in publishing. Her speech was a bold call to abandon outdated industry standards and embrace inclusivity beyond social media metrics.

About the National Book Awards

Organized by the National Book Foundation, the awards honor the finest in American literature across five categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Young People's Literature, and Translated Literature. Winners receive $10,000 each, and the event has long been a beacon of artistic defiance and literary excellence.