In a collective statement detailing their decision, the distinguished panel of judges for the 2026 prize—comprising acclaimed authors Nicola Griffith, Mat Johnson, Darcie Little Badger, Fonda Lee, and Peter Rock—offered high praise for Adam’s achievement.
"Adam uses innovative narrative structure and impeccable prose to do what SFF—what only SFF at its best—can do: make metaphor concrete to completely change our understanding not just of what is happening in the narrative but also how today’s society works," the judges stated.
The panel further elaborated on the emotional and thematic weight of the winning novel, noting how the narrative develops as it progresses. "The book gradually assumes the urgency of survival as three people whom society has deemed worthless find their way back to themselves, each other, and hope. An astonishing and ultimately joyful work."
Audition, published by Coffee House Press, stands out for its bold approach to speculative fiction and science fiction traditions, utilizing imaginative world-building and narrative experimentation to address very real, grounded human conditions. By focusing on characters marginalized or overlooked by contemporary society, Adam crafts a story that resonates deeply with the core tenets of Le Guin’s own extensive bibliography, which frequently explored themes of power, community, gender, and alternative social organization.
With the announcement of this year’s win, Pip Adam officially takes home the $25,000 prize associated with the honor. Readers and literary enthusiasts interested in hearing from the author directly can watch her official acceptance speech online via the foundation’s shared resources, capturing her personal response to receiving an award tied to one of the most influential figures in modern speculative and literary fiction.
The Ursula K. Le Guin Foundation continues to play a vital role in contemporary literature through the administration of this prize, ensuring that the visionary spirit, intellectual rigor, and compassionate humanity that defined Le Guin’s life and work continue to inspire new generations of writers and thinkers around the world. Through the recognition of works like Audition, the foundation highlights the ongoing power of fiction to illuminate hidden truths, challenge systemic indifference, and articulate pathways toward a more hopeful future.
