National Book Award for Translated Literature: Winners and Finalists (2018–2025)
The National Book Award for Translated Literature serves as a prestigious recognition of the finest works of literature translated into English. While the award existed from 1967 to 1983, it was reintroduced in 2018 to celebrate the vital role that translators play in bringing global voices to an English-speaking audience.
Each year, a distinguished panel of judges evaluates a wide array of submissions, narrowing them down from a longlist to a shortlist of finalists before crowning a single winner. This process highlights the diversity of global storytelling, spanning languages from Japanese and Arabic to Spanish and Korean.
Key Facts
- Reintroduction: The current iteration of the award began in 2018.
- Scope: Recognizes excellence in literature translated into English.
- Selection Process: Includes a longlist, a shortlist of finalists, and one overall winner.
- Global Reach: Winners have represented languages including Japanese, Hungarian, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Chronology of Winners and Finalists
2018: The Return of the Award
The 2018 prize was chaired by Harold Augenbraum and judged by Karen Maeda Allman, Sinan Antoon, Susan Bernofsky, and Álvaro Enrigue. The winner, The Emissary by Yoko Tawada, translated from Japanese by Margaret Mitsutani, marked the first victory of the reintroduced era.
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2019–2021: Expanding Global Perspectives
In 2019, the award went to László Krasznahorkai's Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming (Hungarian), translated by Ottilie Mulzet. The 2020 winner was Miri Yu's Tokyo Ueno Station (Japanese), translated by Morgan Giles. By 2021, the prize recognized Elisa Shua Dusapin's Winter in Sokcho (French), translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins.
2022–2025: Recent Accolades
Recent years have seen a strong presence of Spanish and Portuguese works. Samanta Schweblin won in 2022 for Seven Empty Houses (Spanish), followed by Stênio Gardel's The Words That Remain (Portuguese) in 2023. In 2024, the award was given to Yáng Shuāng-zǐ for Taiwan Travelogue (Mandarin Chinese). Most recently, in 2025, Gabriela Cabezón Cámara won for We Are Green and Trembling (Spanish).
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Summary of Award Winners (2018–2025)
| Year | Winning Title | Author | Original Language | Translator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | The Emissary | Yoko Tawada | Japanese | Margaret Mitsutani |
| 2019 | Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming | László Krasznahorkai | Hungarian | Ottilie Mulzet |
| 2020 | Tokyo Ueno Station | Miri Yu | Japanese | Morgan Giles |
| 2021 | Winter in Sokcho | Elisa Shua Dusapin | French | Aneesa Abbas Higgins |
| 2022 | Seven Empty Houses | Samanta Schweblin | Spanish | Megan McDowell |
| 2023 | The Words That Remain | Stênio Gardel | Portuguese | Bruna Dantas Lobato |
| 2024 | Taiwan Travelogue | Yáng Shuāng-zǐ | Mandarin Chinese | Lin King |
| 2025 | We Are Green and Trembling | Gabriela Cabezón Cámara | Spanish | Robin Myers |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the National Book Award for Translated Literature reintroduced?
The award was reintroduced in 2018, following a previous period of existence from 1967 to 1983.
Who are the judges for this award?
The prize is judged by a rotating panel of literary experts and writers. For example, the 2025 jury is chaired by Stesha Brandon and includes Sergio Gutiérrez Negrón, Bill Johnston, Annette Joseph-Gabriel, and Karen Tei Yamashita.
What is the difference between the longlist and the finalists?
The longlist is the initial broad selection of nominated works. From this list, the judges select a smaller group of finalists (the shortlist) before determining the final winner.
Which languages have been represented among the winners?
Winners have represented a diverse range of languages, including Japanese, Hungarian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese.
Is the translator recognized in the award?
Yes, the translator is explicitly named and recognized alongside the author for their role in bringing the work into English.