Rabih Alameddine & Patricia Smith Crowned at National Book Awards 2025

The 76th National Book Awards turned into a powerful showcase of literary excellence, cultural resistance, and emotional resonance. Held in Manhattan, this year’s ceremony honored voices from across the globe, blending celebration with critique of current social and political climates. Among the highlights, Rabih Alameddine won the Fiction award for his novel The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother), while Patricia Smith took the Poetry prize for her collection The Intentions of Thunder.

Major Winners of 2025

Rabih Alameddine – Fiction

Known for his satirical yet emotionally layered storytelling, Rabih Alameddine was recognized for a novel that intertwines family, war, and absurdity set against the backdrop of contemporary Lebanon. His acceptance speech moved from mourning the violence in Gaza to humorous thanks for his psychiatrist and gastrointestinal doctor.

Patricia Smith – Poetry

Smith’s collection reflects on racial identity, memory, and resilience, offering sharp lyricism and deep introspection. In her speech, she confronted personal and societal struggles, crediting poetry for helping her overcome generational wounds.

Omar El Akkad – Nonfiction

Canadian-Iranian journalist Omar El Akkad won for One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, a searing critique of the modern West written in response to the violence in Gaza. He highlighted the emotional burden of documenting atrocities.

Daniel Nayeri – Young People’s Literature

Iranian-American Daniel Nayeri was awarded for The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story, a gripping tale of survival, hope, and identity during global conflict.

Gabriela Cabezón Cámara – Translated Literature

Argentine author Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, with translator Robin Myers, won for We Are Green and Trembling, a lyrical exploration of queer identity and ecological fear. Cámara gave her speech in Spanish, defiantly acknowledging anti-immigrant sentiments.

A Night of Protest, Poetry, and Performance

The evening doubled as a stage for political expression. Authors spoke against immigration raids, Middle East violence, and industry gatekeeping. The emotional atmosphere was heightened by the presence of past winners and literary icons.

Musician Corinne Bailey Rae opened with a soulful performance, while actor Jeff Heller emceed with charm and literary puns, despite a humorous typo in his book title.

Honorary Awards

George Saunders – Distinguished Contribution to American Letters

Saunders received praise for his truth-seeking literary legacy, highlighting the value of revision and introspection in both writing and life.

Roxane Gay – Literarian Award

Gay was honored for her unwavering support of diverse voices in publishing. Her speech was a bold call for abandoning outdated industry standards and embracing inclusivity beyond social media metrics.

About the National Book Awards

• Organized by the National Book Foundation, the awards recognize the best of American literature across five categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Young People’s Literature, and Translated Literature.
• Winners each receive $10,000, and the event has long been a platform for artistic resistance and literary excellence.

Key Takeaways

• Rabih Alameddine: Winner, Fiction – The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)
• Patricia Smith: Winner, Poetry – The Intentions of Thunder
• Omar El Akkad: Winner, Nonfiction – One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
• Daniel Nayeri: Winner, Young People’s Literature – The Teacher of Nomad Land
• Gabriela Cabezón Cámara (translated by Robin Myers): Winner, Translated Literature – We Are Green and Trembling
• George Saunders: Received the Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Medal
• Roxane Gay: Received the Literarian Award