Actor, author and literary advocate LeVar Burton is the new host of the 74th National Book Awards Gala and Benefit Dinner on November 17 in New York City. “I’m a big believer in the power of the written word,” Burton said in a statement from the National Book Foundation, whose previous celebrity hosts of the event have included Nick Offerman and Padma Lakshmi. “It is an honor to return as the host of the biggest evening of the book, especially at a time when the freedom of reading is threatened, and literature needs and deserves our recognition and support.”
The announcement comes after the foundation withdrew its original invitation to Drew Barrymore to host. Barrymore received criticism in September when she resumed filming her daytime television show, The Drew Barrymore Show, amid strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA. The WGA strike ended on September 27, although the SAG-AFTRA strike is still ongoing.
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LeVar Burton in ‘Star Trek: Nemesis’ from 2002.
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Burton is a celebrity within the literary community. For 23 years, Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation the actor was the host of the PBS Kids series Reading the Rainbowwho taught children reading skills and is the author of books such as The rhinoceros that swallowed the storm. Burton is also outspoken against book banning and censorship. He was the executive producer on the documentary The right to read and was the Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week 2023.
“Burton’s unique and infectious passion for books has inspired countless readers,” said Ruth Dickey, executive director of the National Book Foundation. “This year — more than ever — books are at risk, and we’re extremely proud that a champion like Burton is celebrating authors, translators and readers everywhere as host of the 2023 National Book Awards.”
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The National Book Awards, whose finalists have been announced, is considered one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country. The award recognizes an outstanding contribution to literature in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, translated literature and literature for young people. The ceremony will also feature two additional award presentations: the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Literature and the Literary Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community to Rita Dove and Paul Yamazaki.
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LeVar Burton.
Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Paramount+
Burton previously hosted the awards ceremony in 2019. Oprah Winfrey will also appear as a special guest and provide commentary this year.
Never miss a story—sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“We’re honored to have LeVar Burton—a longtime friend and an ally of the National Book Foundation—join us in celebrating the power of stories,” stated Dickey.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education