Back to all awards
US

National Book Award for Fiction

One of the most prestigious literary prizes in the United States, administered by the National Book Foundation.

Established

1950

Country

United States

Prize

$10,000

Frequency

annual

Visit official website

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the National Book Award for Fiction?

The National Book Award for Fiction is one of the United States' most prestigious literary prizes. Established in 1950, it honors the best fiction published in the United States during the preceding year. Winners receive a $10,000 prize and a bronze sculpture.

2

Who can win the National Book Award?

The National Book Award for Fiction is open to U.S. citizens for books published in the United States during the award year. The work must be a novel, short story collection, or other form of fiction.

3

What books have won the National Book Award for Fiction?

Recent winners include "James" by Percival Everett (2024), "Blackouts" by Justin Torres (2023), and "The Rabbit Hutch" by Tess Gunty (2022). Browse the complete list of 20 winners below.

Notable Past Winners

Explore some of the most celebrated books that have won the National Book Award for Fiction, from groundbreaking debuts to literary masterpieces that have shaped contemporary literature.

Award Winners

20 winners recorded from 2005 to present