The National Book Foundation is proud to champion the Longlisters, Finalists, and Winners of the 2023 National Book Awards for Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. Our mission is to ensure books have a prominent place in our culture, and are central to national, and global, conversation. At this time of so much pain and suffering in our world, we believe writers’ words—and the insight and inspiration they bring—are more important than ever.

For 74 years, our work has been to recognize great books. Winning writers are invited to accept their Award and make brief remarks. Over the years, these speeches have been poignant, funny, moving, at times political, and even, occasionally, controversial. At their best, these honored authors’ words enrich, enlighten, and inform us all.

Political statements, if made, are by no means unprecedented in the history of the National Book Awards, or indeed any awards ceremony. We are working with the venue to ensure a safe environment for all our guests. We of course hope that everyone attending the National Book Awards, in person or tuning in online, comes in a spirit of understanding, compassion, and humanity—the very things that the books we love inspire.