List of International Booker Prize Winners [2005 - 2025]

The International Booker Prize 2025 longlist (a selection of individuals, books, or works under consideration for a prize, from which a final shortlist of the most deserving candidates will be determined.) is out, and the 2025 winner is yet to be announced in May 2025, and it's got a bunch of amazing books from all over the world! Get ready to dive into stories about displacement, disability, history, and even some speculative fiction. Max Porter, the head judge, says that translated fiction isn't just for one specific group—it's a way for everyone to connect through stories, no matter where they're from.

The list is full of books that will get you thinking and keep you entertained. They cover all sorts of topics, like survival, history, societal issues, and human resilience, and they're all told in unique and interesting ways.

➡️ Discover the full list: https://t.co/IL8S162F8L pic.twitter.com/sNLHeinswS

— The Booker Prizes (@TheBookerPrizes) February 25, 2025

Origin of International Booker Prize Celebrating as Global Literary Excellence

Since its inception in 2005, the International Booker Prize has been a beacon of recognition for exceptional fiction writers and translators worldwide. This prestigious literary honour is awarded annually to a single book that has been translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland, showcasing the richness of global storytelling.

Evolution of the Prize

Originally, the International Booker was a biennial award, celebrating an author's entire body of work rather than a single book. There were no restrictions on the original language of the works, allowing literary icons like Alice Munro, Lydia Davis, and Philip Roth to join the ranks of past winners, alongside international legends such as Ismail Kadare and László Krasznahorkai.

However, in 2015, the prize underwent a major transformation, aligning itself with the Booker Prize for English-language fiction. It shifted its focus to a single translated book, recognising not just the authors but also the crucial contribution of translators in bringing diverse literary voices to a global audience.

A Prize That Honors Both Authors and Translators

One of the most distinctive aspects of the International Booker Prize is its equal recognition of authors and translators. The £50,000 prize money is divided equally between the two, ensuring that the art of translation receives the honour it deserves. Additionally, every shortlisted author and translator is awarded £2,500, further encouraging the cross-cultural exchange of ideas through literature.

By spotlighting extraordinary works from around the world, the International Booker Prize has become a powerful force in breaking language barriers and enriching the global literary landscape.

Recently, Geetanjali Shree in 2022, Georgi Gospodinov in 2023, and Alhierd Bacharevič in 2024 have won the International Booker Prize.

Selection Process and Timeline

Each year, the process follows a structured timeline:

• March: Announcement of the longlist (12-13 books)
• April: Announcement of the shortlist (six books)
• May: Winner announcement

List of Winners of the International Booker Prize from 2005 to 2015 individual for a Lifetime Achievement

From 2005 to 2015, the Man Booker International Prize was awarded for a writer’s entire body of work, not a specific book. From 2016 onwards, it became an award for a single translated work.

List of Winners of the International Booker Prize from 2016 to 2025

2025 International Booker Prize Longlist

 Presenting the #InternationalBooker2025 longlist.

Find out more about all the books, authors and translators: https://t.co/IL8S162F8L pic.twitter.com/INryqBX8J8

— The Booker Prizes (@TheBookerPrizes) February 25, 2025

Conclusion

The International Booker Prize 2025 longlist showcases the power of literature to cross cultural boundaries and offer fresh perspectives on universal human emotions. With its diverse themes, unique storytelling approaches, and deeply moving narratives, this selection promises something for every reader. As Max Porter puts it, these books are for everyone—stories from everywhere, for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to tales of survival, speculative fiction, or intimate personal narratives, this list offers a window into the world through the eyes of master storytellers.