Random House Author Salman Rushdie to Receive NBF Lifetime Achievement Award
The National Book Foundation has announced that Salman Rushdie will receive the 2026 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, a lifetime achievement honor recognizing his extraordinary literary career and enduring contributions to American letters. The medal will be presented by bestselling author Kiran Desai at the 77th National Book Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner on November 18, 2026.
Few writers have shaped global literature, cultural imagination, and public discourse as profoundly as Rushdie. Random House had the privilege of publishing his work for decades from MIDNIGHT’S CHILDREN, winner of the 1981 Booker Prize, and VICTORY CITY to his memoir, KNIFE, a Finalist for the 2024 National Book Award for Nonfiction, and most recently THE ELEVENTH HOUR.
Throughout his career, Rushdie has explored urgent questions of identity, history, justice, and free expression while demonstrating an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. This well-deserved recognition also offers an opportunity to recognize the many colleagues across PRH who have championed his work and helped bring his books to readers.
Please join us in congratulating Salman Rushdie and Random House on this honor!