In Stella Prize First, a Graphic Novel Draws the Win
Lee Lai receives $60,000 as Cannon becomes the first graphic novel to win the Stella Prize, with judges praising its exploration of queer friendship and immigrant life.
- Lee Lai won the 2026 Stella Prize for her graphic novel Cannon, becoming the first transgender author to receive the $60,000 award in its 14-year history.
- Judges' chair Sophie Gee described the work as a "portrait of anger" exploring complex relationships, friendship longevity, and the immigrant experience through visual comic language.
- Stella CEO Fiona Sweet called Cannon "a triumph of the form," hoping the win exposes graphic novels to new readers after years of limited Australian publishing support.
- Montreal-Based author Lai said the prize money provides "rent and food" and crucial time to write, with tour appearances scheduled in Brisbane and Sydney.
- Reflecting on her career, Lai noted that global events including the pandemic and ongoing conflicts have shaped her worldview, while emphasizing barriers trans creatives face in publishing.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Non-binary author Lee Lai makes Stella Prize history with graphic novel ‘Cannon’
TJ Watts Australian cartoonist and author Lee Lai has made history, becoming the first graphic novelist to win the Stella Prize with […] The post Non-binary author Lee Lai makes Stella Prize history with graphic novel ‘Cannon’ appeared first on QNews.
Lee Lai’s Cannon is the first graphic novel to win the Stella Prize
Bee Elton Photography/Stella PrizeAuthor–artist Lee Lai has won the 2026 Stella Prize for her graphic novel, Cannon. This is the first time the Stella has been won by a graphic novel. Lai, who was shortlisted for the Stella Prize in 2022 for Stone Fruit, has had work published in the New York Times, The New Yorker, Granta and more. Cannon was named as a best book for 2025 in several lists, and shortlisted for several prizes, including the Carol …
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