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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Stephen Colbert wins an anti-censorship award after CBS ends 'The Late Show'

Stephen Colbert wins an anti-censorship award after CBS ends 'The Late Show'

Published Jul 30, 2026 11:23 am

NEW YORK — Stephen Colbert, whose 11-year tenure as host of "The Late Show" was marked by his frequent criticism of President Donald Trump, has received an anti-censorship award from a foundation founded by author, playwright and publisher Ishmael Reed.

Colbert was among the honorees at the 47th annual American Book Awards, announced Wednesday by the Before Columbus Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California, that promotes diversity in American literature and culture.

The recognition comes after CBS ended "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in May, ending one of the most prominent late-night platforms for a vocal critic of Trump. The network said the decision was driven by financial considerations, though Colbert and others have questioned that explanation.

Colbert shared the anti-censorship award with Mitchell Kaplan, the founder of independent bookstore Books & Books in Coral Gables, Florida. The awards also recognized publisher Morgan Entrekin of Grove Atlantic and Roger Malina, executive editor of the academic journal "Leonardo," with editor and publisher awards.

The American Book Awards also honored a wide range of literary works and contributors, including Nicholas Boggs for "Baldwin," a biography of author James Baldwin; John Fugelsang for "Separation of Church and Hate," a critique of religion and politics; and Adela Najarro for the poetry collection "Variations in Blue."

Novelist and playwright Karen Tei Yamashita received the lifetime achievement award.

The Before Columbus Foundation said the American Book Awards were created to recognize outstanding literary achievements across the diverse landscape of American writing.

"The award winners range from well-known and established writers to under-recognized authors and first works," the foundation said in its announcement, adding that the selection process reflects diversity as a natural outcome rather than through set quotas.

Related Tags

Stephen Colbert The Late Show Stephen Colbert anti-censorship award American Book Awards Before Columbus Foundation Ishmael Reed Donald Trump CBS Late Night TV
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