Literary Awards Ceremony
Celebrating new and lifetime literary achievements.
Since 1963, PEN America has honored exceptional literary work across literary genres. Today, our awards highlight achievement in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, science writing, essays, biography, children’s literature, and drama. They honor everyone from emerging writers to luminaries in their field.
2026 Literary Awards
PEN America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Literary Awards winners. Winners were announced live at the PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony on March 31, 2026, at The Town Hall in New York City hosted by Murray Hill.
The 2026 Literary Awards conferred nearly $350,000 to writers and translators working in fiction, poetry, essay, translation, and more.