May 7, 2026 - News

James Beard media award nominees include several New Orleans authors

Carlie Kollath Wells

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People socializing in a warmly lit bar with red walls and wooden floors, near a sign advertising "The Obituary Cocktail," an iconic New Orleans drink, with shelves of bottles and books nearby. — Sue Strachan's new book chronicles the history of the obituary cocktail in New Orleans. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

Sue Strachan's new book chronicles the history of the obituary cocktail in New Orleans. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

Several New Orleans authors are nominees for the 2026 James Beard Media Awards, which are like the Oscars of the food world.

The winners will be announced June 13 in Chicago.

Zoom in: The local noms are...

Nina Compton and Osayi Endolyn's "Kwéyòl" cookbook
Sue Strachan's "Obituary Cocktail"
WWNO's "Sea Change"
Photographer Cedric Angeles for Food & Wine Magazine
Boyce Upholt for Inc. Magazine
Brett Martin for GQ

See the full list.

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