Actor, comedian, and author Kate McKinnon will host the 75th annual National Book Awards on November 20. In addition, Grammy Award winner Jon Batiste will be featured as the evening's first-ever live musical guest. The award ceremony and benefit dinner, presented by the National Book Foundation, will be held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
“The 2024 National Book Awards Ceremony marks an important milestone as we commemorate 75 years of honoring the best literature published in the United States,” said David Steinberger, chair of the board of directors of the National Book Foundation, in a statement. “Kate McKinnon and Jon Batiste are two singular artists, writers, and performers, who have offered audiences around the world opportunities to listen, to laugh, and to learn. We couldn’t be more proud to join them in celebrating the power of exceptional books at this year’s Awards Ceremony & Benefit Dinner.”
“I’ve been an invested reader my whole life and am so honored to be part of this event that celebrates the lifechanging power of books while recognizing some of today’s most brilliant storytellers,” said McKinnon. “I was lucky to grow up surrounded by books, devouring everything from Pippi Longstocking to a comprehensive manual on proper iguana care, and this access to stories and perspectives helped shape my worldview and understanding of what was possible. The National Book Foundation is working to ensure everyone’s access to books, and I am proud to support that mission.”
"Books are sacred sources of refuge, insight and humanity, shaping the world as we know it,” added Batiste. “I am excited to take part in recognizing world class artistry, creativity and the power of prose."
