PEN America’s 2018 LitFest Gala was held on Friday, November 2, 2018, in Beverly Hills, CA. Guests were inspired by Ai Weiwei, Barry Jenkins, Marti Noxon and Gillian Flynn, Marvin Putnam, the 2018 Literary Award—Los Angeles Winners, and the strength of our community. This year’s LitFest Gala was the most successful on record and raised funds for local and national initiatives.

Watch videos and read transcripts from the night of the 2018 PEN America LitFest Gala:

2018 Artistic Expression Award
Remarks by Ai Weiwei

2018 Screenplay Excellence Award
Introduction by Alfre Woodard, remarks by Barry Jenkins

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LitFest Gala Committee

LA Committee Co-Chairs
David Francis, Moira Griffin, Robert Perrin

2018 LitFest Gala Chair
Jamie Wolf

Members
Jonathan Aibel*, Leslie Belzberg, Laura Bickford, Jade Chang, David Ebershoff, Matt Galsor, Miranda Heller, Dana Johnson, David Kaye, Michael Keegan*, Franklin Leonard, Keri Putnam*, Marvin Putnam, Howard A. Rodman, Nancy Rubin*, David Ulin, Sophie Westacott*, Maya Windholz, Jamie Wolf, Sholeh Wolpé, KK Wootton, Tom Zoellner
*Gala Committee Only

Board of Trustees