On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the Academy held its annual Ceremonial in its auditorium in Washington Heights, New York City. Over $1 million in awards and prizes in Architecture, Visual Arts, Literature, and Music were presented to 69 recipients, and 17 new members were inducted. Joyce Carol Oates delivered the keynote address; Adam D. Weinberg received the Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts; Lynn Nottage received the Award of Merit Medal for Drama; and Janet Malcolm and Wayne Thiebaud received Gold Medals.