Oxford-BNU Creative Writing Award Ceremony 2026

The Oxford–BNU Creative Writing Award celebrates outstanding emerging literary talent from across the University. The 2026 shortlist reflects a remarkable breadth of style and imagination, showcasing the strength and interdisciplinary reach of Humanities at Oxford today.

Founded in 2019 by Nobel Laureate Professor Mo Yan, the Award recognises excellence in original short fiction and highlights Oxford’s contribution to international and cross-cultural literary exchange. This year’s competition attracted an exceptional range of submissions, demonstrating impressive creativity, originality, and technical skill.

Join us at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities for live readings from our shortlisted writers, followed by the announcement of this year’s winners.

Final Judging Panel

• Professor Elleke Boehmer FRSL – Professor of World Literature in English, University of Oxford; Executive Director of the Oxford Centre for Life-Writing at Wolfson College
• Professor Sonia Antoranz Contera – Professor of Biological Physics, University of Oxford; and Fellow of Green Templeton College.
• Professor Wes Williams – Professor of French Literature, University of Oxford; and Fellow of at St Edmund Hall; former Director of TORCH (2020-2023)
• Frank Wynne – Chair of Judges for the 2022 International Booker Prize; Award-winning translator; Winner of the 2022 Dublin Literary Award.

Important Information

• Seats are limited. If you are unable to attend, please release your ticket to allow those on the waiting list to join.
• This event is not suitable for children under the age of 16.

Event Details

Date: 14th May 2026

Venue: Seminar Room 00.063, Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, OX2 6GG

Dress Code: Smart casual

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