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

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

No monetary prize; one award conferred annually for a distinguished work.

Recognizes outstanding print or nonprint works that advance honesty and clarity in public language.

--- ## Description The NCTE George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language recognizes an author, editor, or producer whose print or nonprint work makes a significant impact by promoting honesty and clarity in public discourse. Established in 1975, this annual award celebrates works that critically analyze public language, foster truthfulness and transparency, and spark essential conversations about the role of language in shaping civic life and democracy. The award is administered by the NCTE Public Language Award Committee. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Nomination submission deadline for the 2026 NCTE George Orwell Award --- ## Funding Amount - The Orwell Award does not provide a monetary prize. - Only one nominated work (which may have multiple co-authors or co-creators) is selected annually. --- ## Eligibility - Nominations are open for authors, editors, or producers of print or nonprint works. - The nominated work must be: - Publicly available and published/distributed between October 1, 2024, and May 1, 2026. - Created by a person based in the United States or its territories. - In English and originally published or made available in the United States or its territories. - Eligible media types include: - Print: Books or media originally published in English in the U.S. or its territories. - Nonprint: Audio/visual works such as videos, movies, podcasts, radio show episodes, blogs, and journal, newspaper, or magazine articles, made available digitally in the U.S. or its territories. - There are no restrictions on career stage, institutional affiliation, or NCTE membership status for nominees. --- ## Application Process - Complete the [nomination form](https://ncte.org/awards/george-orwell-award) on the award page. - Required information: - Title and type of the nominated work. - Author(s)/Producer(s)/Creator(s) names. - Access details (publisher info, links, etc.). - For podcasts/blogs with multiple episodes/articles, identify 3–5 exemplary items within the eligibility date range. - A brief statement explaining why the work is being nominated. - Nominator’s name and contact email. - For book nominations, physical copies must be mailed to committee members (mailing instructions provided after nomination). - For other media, provide digital access or links. - Nominations may be submitted by anyone; self-nominations are accepted. --- ## Additional Information - The award highlights works that analyze, critique, or exemplify honesty and clarity in public language and discourse, especially those addressing pressing social or political issues. - Previous recipients include books, podcasts, and other media that have contributed to public understanding and critical literacy. - The award is highly regarded in the fields of language, literacy, media, and civic education. --- ## External Links - [NCTE George Orwell Award Information & Nomination Form](https://ncte.org/awards/george-orwell-award) - [NCTE Public Language Award Committee](https://ncte.org/get-involved/volunteer/groups/public-language-awards-committee/) - [List of Previous Recipients (PDF)](https://ncte.org/wp-content/uploads/Past_Recipients_Orwell_Award-through-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Award Inquiries | [publiclangawards@ncte.org](mailto:publiclangawards@ncte.org) | | NCTE Main Phone | 217-328-3870 | | NCTE Contact Page | [https://ncte.org/contact-us/](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) |

NCTE George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language

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