The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist has been announced, with six finalists selected by a distinguished judging panel that includes musician Jarvis Cocker, classicist Mary Beard, author Patricia Lockwood, poet Raymond Antrobus, and Guardian books editor Rebecca Liu. The shortlist was revealed at a discussion at London's Southbank Centre and represents the year's most distinguished works of fiction according to one of literature's most prestigious literary awards.

The six shortlisted titles are: The End of Everything by M John Harrison, The Disappearers by Marlon James, Black Bag by Luke Kennard, May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout, and John of John by Douglas Stuart. The winner will be announced on 9 November 2026 at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London, with the Guardian hosting a live Q&A for readers to discuss the contenders with its books team.