Missouri Williams is the current chair of the judges, noted for steering high-stakes cultural awards and shaping contemporary literary recognitions.
The Booker Prize longlist for 2026 has been announced with 13 novels from seven countries and three continents. It features former winners and debut authors, including Douglas Stuart and Elizabeth Strout, and is chaired by Mary Beard. The panel says the list expands boundaries and offers a mix of humor, dystopia, and drama. The shortlist will be revealed Sept. 22, with the winner announced Nov. 9.