Canadian author and journalist Omar El Akkad has achieved a remarkable literary milestone, winning the prestigious United States National Book Award for his novel 'One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.' The announcement was made on November 20, 2025, marking a significant international recognition for the Egyptian-born Canadian writer.
From Toronto to International Acclaim
This isn't El Akkad's first major literary honor. The author previously won Canada's esteemed 2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novel 'What Strange Paradise.' That award ceremony took place at a gala event in Toronto on November 8, 2021, where El Akkad was photographed in the audience before being declared the winner.
The National Book Award represents one of the highest honors in American literature, making El Akkad's victory particularly noteworthy as a Canadian author receiving this distinguished American literary prize. His success continues to demonstrate the global impact of Canadian literary talent.
A Distinguished Literary Career
Omar El Akkad brings a unique perspective to his writing, drawing from his background as a journalist who has covered some of the most significant stories of our time. His experience includes reporting on the war in Afghanistan, military trials at Guantanamo Bay, and the Black Lives Matter movement across the United States.
This journalistic background informs his fiction, providing depth and authenticity to his storytelling. His latest award-winning work continues his exploration of complex social and political themes that resonate with contemporary readers.
Canadian Literary Excellence on the World Stage
El Akkad's National Book Award victory represents another triumph for Canada's vibrant literary community. Following his previous Giller Prize success, this latest honor solidifies his position as one of Canada's most important contemporary literary voices.
The winning novel, 'One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This,' joins El Akkad's growing body of critically acclaimed work that continues to garner international attention and praise. The title itself suggests the author's continued engagement with themes of social conflict and historical perspective that have characterized his previous works.
This achievement places El Akkad among the select group of Canadian authors who have received major international literary awards, highlighting the strength and diversity of Canadian storytelling on the global stage.
