The National Book Awards Council has brought together more than 70 professors, scientists, leading experts and experienced managers to ensure that appraisal and evaluation are conducted objectively and rigorously through multiple rounds of careful selection.

On March 3, the organizing committee of the eighth National Book Awards held a press conference to announce details of this year’s ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Nguyen, Director of the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution, said the eighth National Book Awards recorded participation from 46 out of 52 publishing houses nationwide, with a total of 397 titles and book sets, amounting to 512 individual volumes. This represents an increase of 25 titles and 57 volumes compared to the previous season.

The growing number of submissions not only reflects the expanding influence of the awards but also demonstrates the increasingly positive response from publishers at a time when the publishing sector faces challenges in mobilizing resources.

Do Quang Dung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Publishing Association, noted that the judging process for the eighth awards has been implemented in a systematic and stringent manner. The council includes more than 70 professors, scientists, leading specialists and seasoned managers, ensuring that assessment and evaluation are carried out objectively and impartially through multiple rounds of careful review.

The selected works are required not only to meet high academic and professional standards but also to address theoretical issues and topics of contemporary social interest, marking a clear distinction from previous years.

Notably, this year introduces a new category dedicated to translated books, an important addition that enhances the status and role of translation within the award structure.

The eighth National Book Awards also feature several significant adjustments. The award structure has been reorganized from five categories to four by merging related fields. The science book category has been expanded to include education and innovation, reflecting the growing demand for knowledge development in the context of digital transformation and the knowledge economy.

In addition, the pool of eligible nominees has been broadened. The “Readers’ Favorite Book” category continues, combining professional scoring with public voting to balance academic evaluation and public recognition.

Organizers have also applied media data analysis in the evaluation process. For works proposed for top prizes, the committee has collaborated with a technology unit to aggregate and analyze public opinion data from the press and media platforms, providing additional multidimensional references before making final decisions.

According to Tong Van Thanh, Director General of the Department of Press and Publishing under the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, the spirit of reform and refinement in the award criteria aims not only to enhance the quality of selection and ensure that publications of cultural and intellectual value are properly honored, but also to safeguard prudence and social consensus, while reflecting the level of public interest in each work.

Based on voting results from the National Book Awards Council, the organizing committee has decided to present awards to 50 books and book sets, including 2 A prizes, 17 B prizes, 23 C prizes, 5 Consolation prizes and 5 Readers’ Favorite Book awards.

The award ceremony will take place on March 8 at Vietnam Television and will be broadcast live on VTV1.

Chau Anh