The 50th National Book Critics Circle Awards winners have been announced, celebrating the best books published in the United States in 2024. The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC), consisting of over 800 editors and critics from across the nation, revealed the recipients during their annual awards ceremony at the New School in New York City on March 20. Established in 1974, the NBCC recognises outstanding literary achievements in various categories such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and translation, as well as literary criticism and service.
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In a statement shared with PEOPLE, NBCC President Heather Scott Patrington emphasised the importance of critical writing in today’s society, stating, “Never has there been a more urgent need for criticism, for free speech, for writing that questions, talks back to and interprets other writing.” The NBCC honoured books that represent diverse voices and perspectives, affirming the right of every individual to find themselves reflected in literature.
The 2024 award winners span a range of categories: Fiction was awarded to ‘My Friends’ by Hisham Matar, while Nonfiction was claimed by ‘Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space’ by Adam Higginbotham. Biography went to ‘Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar’ by Cynthia Carr, and Autobiography was won by ‘Patriot: A Memoir’ by Alexei Navalny, translated by Arch Tait and Stephen Dalziel.
Criticism was acknowledged with ‘There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension’ by Hanif Abdurraqib, and Poetry was awarded to ‘Wrong Norma’ by Anne Carson. The Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize was given to ‘A Last Supper of Queer Apostles’ by Pedro Lemebel, translated by Gwendolyn Harper, while the John Leonard Prize went to ‘Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir’ by Tessa Hulls.
Acknowledging excellence in reviewing, the Nona Balakian Citation was awarded to Lauren Michele Jackson. The organization honoured Laurie Lynn Turner with the NBCC Service Award and bestowed the Toni Morrison Achievement Award to Third World Press. Furthermore, Sandra Cisneros was recognised with the Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award.
The National Book Critics Circle Awards also announced special honorees, including Maxine Hong Kingston as a distinguished guest speaker in commemoration of the NBCC’s 50th anniversary. Celebrating a half-century of literary recognition, the NBCC continues to champion literature that challenges, inspires, and reflects the diverse tapestry of American storytelling.
As the literary world evolves, these awards recognise the vital role that books play in shaping narratives, fostering empathy, and sparking meaningful conversations. With a rich history of honouring literary excellence, the National Book Critics Circle reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the transformative power of storytelling.
In a time where embracing diverse voices and thought-provoking narratives is crucial, the NBCC’s recognition of exceptional literary works serves as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the enduring impact of storytelling in our society. Through these awards, the NBCC continues to uphold the legacy of literary excellence and encourages readers to explore a world of diverse perspectives and powerful storytelling.