American writer Hanif Abdurraqib has been honored with the 2026 Weston International Award, which includes a prize of $75,000. This award complements the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, an annual recognition given to a Canadian author for a singular nonfiction work.
The Weston International Award acknowledges the significant contributions of an international author in the field of nonfiction. To be eligible, international authors must have published a minimum of three books of exceptional literary quality in the nonfiction genre, written in English or widely available in translation.
Abdurraqib, a renowned poet, essayist, and cultural critic, is celebrated for his insightful writings on music, sports, Black culture, and social justice. Among his notable works are “There’s Always This Year,” which delves into basketball, race, and American society, earning him the National Books Critics Circle Award. He has also penned “A Little Devil in America,” focusing on Black performance and recipient of the Carnegie Medal, and “They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us,” a collection of music-infused essays. Additionally, his poetry collections include “The Crown Ain’t Worth Much” and “A Fortune for Your Disaster.”
Having been recognized as a MacArthur Fellow in 2021 and a Windham-Campbell Prize laureate in 2024, Abdurraqib hails from Columbus, Ohio. Selected by an international advisory committee and a Canadian jury, the accolade was bestowed upon him by esteemed individuals such as PBS arts correspondent Jeffery Brown, British Iranian author and The Guardian’s literary editor David Shariatmadari, and Nigerian author and publisher Lola Shoneyin.
Describing Abdurraqib’s work, the jury praised his ability to capture the essence of Black life through the interconnected themes of performance, music, and athleticism, providing a unique and authentic perspective. They highlighted his commitment to challenging falsehoods, amplifying marginalized voices, and asserting resilience in the face of adversity. Abdurraqib’s writing skillfully weaves together personal and universal elements, reflecting a profound understanding of identity, community, and the human experience.
Abdurraqib is scheduled to present a talk at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto on September 14, where he will delve into his career and creative endeavors. Interested individuals can secure tickets through the Weston International Award website. The previous year’s recipient of the award was American author Leslie Jamison.
Established in 1976 by literary luminaries including Margaret Atwood and Pierre Berton, the Writers’ Trust of Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating Canadian writers. Through various initiatives such as literary awards, financial grants, and career development programs, the organization aims to foster a vibrant literary community in Canada.
