Kate McKinnon to Host 75th National Books Awards With Musical Guest Jon Batiste (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

(L-R) Kate McKinnon, John Batiste.Photo:Alexandra Carillo-Vaccino, David Needleman

Alexandra Carillo-Vaccino, David Needleman

TheNational Book Foundationis celebrating its next milestone with the help of special guestsKate McKinnonandJon Batiste.

It is a landmark event for the foundation, commemorating “75 years of honoring the best literature published in the United States,” says 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,” continues Steinberger. “We couldn’t be more proud to join them in celebrating the power of exceptional books at this year’s awards ceremony and benefit dinner.”

Jon Batiste.David Needleman

David Needleman

The annual event will recognize the best works infiction,nonfiction,poetry,translated literature,young people’s literature, andlifetime achievement award honorees— something that Batiste is honored to be a part of.

“Books are sacred sources of refuge, insight and humanity, shaping the world as we know it. I am excited to take part in recognizing world-class artistry, creativity and the power of prose,” he said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Kate McKinnon.Alexandra Carillo-Vaccino

Alexandra Carillo-Vaccino

McKinnon, whose first book,The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,hit bookshelves earlier this month, shares similar sentiments, expressing in a statement shared with PEOPLE that she is honored to celebrate “the life-changing power of books while recognizing some of today’s most brilliant storytellers.”

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For more information about the 75th National Book Awards Ceremony & Benefit Dinner and to register to watch the online broadcast, visit theNational Book Awards.

source: people.com