Kate McKinnon will host this year’s National Book Awards ceremony, with Jon Batiste on board to perform as the awards’ first-ever live musical guest, the National Book Foundation announced in a news release.
Actor and comedian McKinnon first gained national fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022, where she was known for her offbeat original characters as well as her impressions of celebrities including Justin Bieber, Hillary Clinton, and Ellen DeGeneres.
She made her literary debut earlier this month with the children’s novel The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. A critic for Kirkus called the book “fiercely feisty and unapologetically goofy.”
“I’ve been an invested reader my whole life and am so honored to be part of this event that celebrates the life changing power of books while recognizing some of today’s most brilliant storytellers,” McKinnon said in a statement.
Singer-songwriter Batiste was the bandleader for the Late Show With Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2022, and is the winner of five Grammy Awards. He said in a statement, "Books are sacred sources of refuge, insight and humanity, shaping the world as we know it. I am excited to take part in recognizing world class artistry, creativity and the power of prose."
The National Book Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York on Nov. 20.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
