Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ocean Vuong

Discover the career path of Ocean Vuong, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ocean Vuong is a highly acclaimed Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist recognized for his significant contributions to literature. He's garnered prestigious awards, including the Ruth Lilly/Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship, the Whiting Award, and the T. S. Eliot Prize. His debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, published in 2019, further solidified his literary standing. That same year, Vuong received a MacArthur Grant, highlighting his exceptional talent and impact on the literary world.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Publication of 'Burnings'

In 2011, Ocean Vuong's first chapbook, Burnings (Sibling Rivalry Press), was released and selected for notable books with LGBT content by the American Library Association.

Burnings

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2013: Release of 'No'

In 2013, Vuong's second chapbook, No (YesYes Books), was released.

2014: Ruth Lilly/Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship

In 2014, Ocean Vuong received the Ruth Lilly/Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation.

2016: Whiting Award

In 2016, Ocean Vuong received the Whiting Award.

2016: Release of 'Night Sky with Exit Wounds'

In 2016, Ocean Vuong's debut full-length collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, was released by Copper Canyon Press.

Night Sky with Exit Wounds

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2017: T. S. Eliot Prize

In 2017, Ocean Vuong received the T. S. Eliot Prize.

June 4, 2019: Publication of 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous'

On June 4, 2019, Ocean Vuong's first novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, was published by Penguin Press.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel

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2019: Artist-In-Resident at NYU

In 2019, Ocean Vuong served as the Artist-In-Resident at NYU's Asian/Pacific/American Institute.

2019: Publication of 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' and MacArthur Grant

In 2019, Ocean Vuong's debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, was published, and he received a MacArthur Grant the same year.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel

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August 2020: Vuong Joins Future Library Project

In August 2020, Ocean Vuong was revealed as the seventh writer to contribute to the Future Library project, where his work will remain unread until 2114.

2020: Artist-In-Resident at NYU

In 2020, Ocean Vuong served as the Artist-In-Resident at NYU's Asian/Pacific/American Institute.

2022: Professor at NYU and Recognition as Essential Writer

In 2022, Ocean Vuong became a tenured Professor of Creative Writing at NYU and was named as one of "32 Essential Asian American Writers" by BuzzFeed Books.