National Book Awards Winners Announced Amid Political Controversy

Nominees' Statement on Israel-Hamas War Sparks Debate, Oprah Winfrey Condemns Book Censorship

Justin Torres' novel 'Blackouts' won the National Book Award for fiction, Ned Blackhawk's 'The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History' won for nonfiction, and Dan Santat's 'A First Time for Everything' won for young people's literature.
During the ceremony, more than a dozen nominees presented a statement condemning the Israel-Hamas war, calling for a humanitarian cease-fire, and opposing antisemitism, anti-Palestinian sentiments, and Islamophobia.
Zibby Media withdrew its support for the event over concerns that the nominees' statement might be antisemitic and anti-Israel.
Oprah Winfrey gave an emotional keynote address, condemning book censorship and emphasizing the importance of literature in fostering connection, compassion, empathy, and understanding.
The event raised more than $1 million for the National Book Foundation, which oversees the National Book Awards and provides a range of public and educational programs.