[National Council of Teachers of English](https://ncte.org)

May 1, 2026 (Nomination/submission deadline for 2026)

Honorary recognition; no direct monetary award specified.

Recognizes outstanding works that promote honesty and clarity in public language and critical analysis of public discourse.

--- ## Description The George Orwell Award, established in 1975 by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), honors authors, editors, or producers of print or nonprint works that make significant contributions to honesty and clarity in public language. The award is administered by the NCTE Public Language Award Committee and is intended to recognize works that prompt critical analysis and vital conversations about truth, honesty, and the role of language in shaping public understanding and civic life. The award spotlights contributions that address challenges to truth and honesty in public discourse, particularly in social and political contexts. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Nomination/submission deadline for the George Orwell Award (nominations for 2026) --- ## Funding Amount - The George Orwell Award is an honorary recognition. There is no direct monetary prize associated with this award; recipients are celebrated for their contribution to public language. --- ## Eligibility - Nominations may be for books, podcasts, movies, TV shows, or other media. - Eligible works must be print or nonprint works that significantly contribute to honesty and clarity in public language. - Works must have been published or appeared between October 1, 2024, and May 1, 2026. - Nominations can be submitted by anyone, not limited to NCTE members. - For multi-episode or multi-article media (e.g., podcasts, blogs), nominators should identify 3–5 exemplary pieces published within the eligibility window. --- ## Application Process - Submit a nomination using the form provided on the [NCTE Orwell Award page](https://ncte.org/awards/george-orwell-award). - For book nominations, a physical copy for each committee member and a cover letter are required. Mailing details will be provided after the nomination form is received. - For nonprint media, provide links or access instructions. For media with multiple examples, specify 3–5 exemplary episodes, articles, etc. - Include a brief statement explaining why the work is being nominated. - Nominations must be received by May 1, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The award is administered by the [NCTE Public Language Award Committee](https://ncte.org/get-involved/volunteer/groups/public-language-awards-committee/). - Digital copies of the award seal are available upon request. - Previous recipients include books and podcasts addressing a range of social, political, and educational topics that exemplify clarity and honesty in public discourse. - For questions, contact the committee at [publiclangawards@ncte.org](mailto:publiclangawards@ncte.org). --- ## External Links - [Orwell Award Program Page](https://ncte.org/awards/george-orwell-award) - [NCTE Public Language Award Committee](https://ncte.org/get-involved/volunteer/groups/public-language-awards-committee/) - [Past Recipients (PDF)](https://ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/Past_Recipients_Orwell_Award-through-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [publiclangawards@ncte.org](mailto:publiclangawards@ncte.org)| | NCTE Phone | 217-328-3870 | | NCTE Contact Page | [Contact NCTE](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) | | Mailing Address | PO Box 416, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0416 |

George Orwell Award

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