The shortlist for the 2026 NT Literary Awards has been announced, recognising 21 writers whose work reflects the breadth and creativity of the Territory's literary community.
Now in its 42nd year, the awards celebrate the talent of writers from across the Territory and provide opportunities for emerging and established writers to develop their craft and share their work. This year, 265 entries were received across seven categories, with 22 works by 21 authors selected for the shortlist.
Department of People, Sport and Culture's Chief Executive Samantha Livesley said the awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the voices and stories of Territory writers.
"The strength and diversity of this year's shortlist demonstrates the depth of writing talent across the Northern Territory. Congratulations to all of the shortlisted writers whose creativity and dedication continue to enrich the Territory's literary community."
The 2026 finalists are:
Brown's Mart Theatre Award
Ryanna Clayton - LureWilliam Pyke - Finding Magnus
CDU Creative Non-Fiction Award
Roland Bull - Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ParkKathie Rea - Looking back on Sumner Locke Elliott's Rusty BuglesLinda Wells - That Old Gramophone
CDU Essay Award
Dr Dean David Mobbs - The love story of Mary 'Gladys' Namagu and Michael 'Mick' Daly
Flash Fiction Award
Mark Ames - Spinifex savioursEric Daams - The lamentations of whalesCristhian Jara Pisco - I won the lotteryYvette Wajon - Keep up
Kath Manzie Youth Award
Erin Simmons - The Diary of LeukemiaHalle Wamara - The Tale of Mr. Gibbs
NT Writers' Centre Poetry Award
Vamshika Bakshi - VicissitudesSophie Benkemoun - Not Black or WhiteDiane Brodie - The Waiting GameShanshan Meng - October Morning LightEmma Trenorden - Guria in MeStephen Van Der Mark - Two Calendars, One Heart, One Land
Zip Print Short Story Award
Sophie Collins - BrakesEric Daams - OmegaBotSiobhan Hunter - Her Mind, His Life and Their Fake SmilesRosie Wild - The Things We Measure
The NT Literary Awards were established in 1984 by English lecturer and Literary Editor of the Darwin Community College journal, David Headon. Library and Archives NT (LANT) has administered the awards since 2012. Since the awards began, close to 6,000 works have been submitted, demonstrating the enduring passion of Territory writers for sharing their creativity and ideas.
For the first time, the winners will be announced at the NT Writing Awards ceremony bringing together the Territory's three premier literary competitions - NT Literary Awards, NT History Book Award and NT Book Awards.
Held at 5.30pm on Wednesday 23 September 2026 at Danala, Charles Darwin University city campus in Darwin with a satellite event at Witchetty's in Alice Springs, and online attendance available, the ceremony will connect audiences across the country in celebration of Territory storytelling. Tickets are $35 and are available via the NT Writers' Centre here website.
