Akwaeke Emezi

Emezi's accolades reflect a career marked by both critical acclaim and popular success. They are one of the few authors to win both the Otherwise Award and the Nommo Award for a debut novel, and their YA novel Pet earned a Stonewall Award, a rare honor for LGBTQ literature. Being named a National Book Foundation "5 Under 35" honoree and a Time Next Generation Leader places them among the most influential voices of their generation. Their books have appeared on numerous "Best of the Year" lists, and their work has been adapted for the screen, underscoring their broad impact.