American writer Hanif Abdurraqib has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Weston International Award, which comes with a substantial prize of $75,000. This award, closely linked to the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, is bestowed upon a Canadian author annually for an outstanding piece of nonfiction work. However, the Weston International Award specifically acknowledges the overall career accomplishments of an international author in the field of nonfiction. To be eligible for this honor, international authors must have published a minimum of three books of exceptional literary quality within the nonfiction genre, either in English or widely available in translation.
Hanif Abdurraqib, a versatile writer renowned for his work as a poet, essayist, and cultural critic, has made significant contributions in his writing on music, sports, Black culture, and social justice. Among his notable works are “There’s Always This Year,” a poignant exploration of basketball, race relations, and American society, which earned him the National Books Critics Circle Award. Additionally, “A Little Devil in America,” a profound analysis of Black performance, clinched the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Abdurraqib’s collection of music-infused essays, “They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us,” has also garnered critical acclaim. Furthermore, his poetry collections, “The Crown Ain’t Worth Much” and “A Fortune for Your Disaster,” have solidified his reputation as a multifaceted literary talent.
In recognition of his outstanding body of work, Abdurraqib was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2021 and a recipient of the Windham-Campbell Prize in 2024. Originally hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Abdurraqib’s international recognition as the Weston International Award winner was determined by a distinguished panel consisting of an international advisory committee and a Canadian jury.
The international advisory committee comprised PBS arts correspondent Jeffery Brown, British Iranian author and literary editor of The Guardian David Shariatmadari, and Nigerian author, literary festival director, and publisher Lola Shoneyin. The Canadian jury, on the other hand, consisted of author and professor Dean Jobb, nonfiction writer and filmmaker Chase Joynt, author Tess McWatt, author and scholar Christina Sharpe, and author Jenny Heijun Wills.
Describing Abdurraqib’s work as a harmonious portrayal of Black life through the mediums of performance, music, and athleticism, the jury lauded his unique voice that amplifies marginalized narratives and challenges societal norms. They commended his ability to weave together intricate themes of love, belonging, and social justice in a compelling and insightful manner.
In the upcoming event, Abdurraqib will be delivering a talk at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto on September 14 to delve into his illustrious career and literary contributions. Those interested in attending can secure tickets through the Weston International Award website. Last year’s recipient of this esteemed award was American author Leslie Jamison.
Established in 1976 by literary luminaries such as Margaret Atwood, Pierre Berton, Graeme Gibson, Margaret Laurence, and David Young, the Writers’ Trust of Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating Canadian writers and their craft. Through various initiatives including national literary awards, financial grants, career development programs for emerging writers, and writers’ retreats, the organization aims to foster a thriving literary community.