LeVar Burton to host National Book Awards, replacing Drew Barrymore
NEW YORK — LeVar Burton will host next month's National Book Awards ceremony, replacing the original choice, Drew Barrymore, who was dropped because of her decision to resume taping of her show during the writers' strike.
The National Book Foundation, which presents the awards, announced Burton's selection Friday. Burton, a longtime advocate for reading known for his roles in the TV miniseries "Roots" and in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," also hosted the ceremony in 2019.
"It's an honor to return as host of the biggest night for books, especially in a moment when the freedom to read is at risk and literature both needs and deserves our recognition and support," said Burton, who earlier this month served as honorary chair of Banned Books Week, when stores and libraries highlight works that have been challenged or censored.
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The National Book Awards will take place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Nov. 15, when winners will be announced in five competitive categories. Oprah Winfrey will be a guest speaker and poet Rita Dove will receive a lifetime achievement medal.
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The National Book Foundation revealed in an X post in September that Barrymore – who was previously tapped to emcee the 74th annual National Book Awards – had been dropped as host following her announcement that production would resume on "The Drew Barrymore Show," which employs at least three writers who are members of the writers guild, which had been on strike since early May before the strike formally ended in October.
"The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture," the foundation wrote. "In light of the announcement that 'The Drew Barrymore Show' will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms. Barrymore's invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.
"Our commitment is to ensure that the focus of the Awards remains on celebrating writers and books, and we are grateful to Ms. Barrymore and her team for their understanding in this situation," the foundation concluded.
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
Drew Barrymoredropped as National Book Awards host after her talk show resumes during strike
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