The 2026 National Book Awards are bringing together two familiar names from the worlds of entertainment and literature. Actor and author Kyle MacLachlan will host the 77th annual National Book Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner, with Japanese Breakfast frontwoman Michelle Zauner set to perform as the evening’s musical guest.
The ceremony will take place on November 18 in New York City, celebrating outstanding books published in the United States across five categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature and young people’s literature.
MacLachlan recently released his debut memoir, Fictional Selves, on September 29. The actor, known for his roles in Twin Peaks and Dune, said hosting the event is a special honor, particularly after experiencing the process of writing his own book.
Zauner, best known as the lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Japanese Breakfast, also brings a literary background to the ceremony. Her acclaimed 2021 memoir, Crying in H Mart, became a bestseller, while her next book, Thank You for Your Suffering, is scheduled to arrive in April 2027.
We are excited to announce that Kyle MacLachlan, New York Times bestselling author and Golden Globe–winning actor, will host the 77th National Book Awards Ceremony & Benefit Dinner! https://t.co/SDqDSseT0H
— National Book Foundation (@nationalbook) October 15, 2026
The 2026 ceremony will also recognize two major literary figures. Author Salman Rushdie will receive the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, while writer and pediatrician Perri Klass will be honored with the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.
The National Book Foundation organizes the annual event, which celebrates some of the most influential voices in contemporary literature. Winners across all five award categories will be announced during the November 18 ceremony.
For readers who cannot attend in person, the 2026 National Book Awards will also be livestreamed through the foundation’s website and YouTube channel, giving audiences an opportunity to follow the evening’s celebrations.
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