Annual Awards Benefit

The 2026 First Novel Prize Shortlist

A Real Animal
Emeline Atwood
Catapult

Carrying
Samantha Josephs
G. P. Putnam's Sons

Whidbey
T Kira Madden
Mariner Books

Ruins, Child
Giada Scodellaro
New Directions Publishing

Offseason
Avigayl Sharp
Astra House

Blow Yourself Up
Ankur Thakkar
TriQuarterly Books

The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford
Nafissa Thompson-Spires
Scribner

About the Benefit

Each December, the literary world comes together at The Center for Fiction Awards Benefit to celebrate and support the creation and enjoyment of fiction. Please join us as we as we present this year's Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award, Medal for Editorial Excellence, and First Novel Prize. The Benefit raises essential funds to sustain The Center's year‑round work for readers and writers, including transformative opportunities for emerging voices, exceptional public programming, and immersive educational experiences for public school students throughout the five boroughs. We look forward to celebrating with you.

For more information, please reach out to development@centerforfiction.org.

Thank You to Our Early Supporters

LUMINARY

LEADER

The Alfred, Lee, Peter Mayer Foundation

Danielle & David Ganek

Alice & Dennis C. Krieger

Kyoko Takahashi Lin & John Lin

Lloyd Lynford

Susanna Porter & James M. Clark

Susan & Peter Restler

Gretchen Rubin

Nina von Moltke

2026 Benefit Host Committee