PEN America Literary Gala
An annual celebration of free expression and the written word.
The annual PEN America Literary Gala is a highlight of the New York literary and social calendars, with an exceptional group of leading writers who serve as Literary Hosts. Every year, it is an inspiring, exhilarating, moving event as we honor those who embody PEN America’s mission to celebrate, champion, and defend freedom of expression. The proceeds from this dinner are crucial to PEN America’s dynamic cultural programming and critical advocacy work.
2024 Literary Gala
The 2024 PEN America Literary Gala took place on May 16 2024 and honored legendary recording artist Paul Simon, Dow Jones CEO and Wall Street Journal Publisher Almar Latour, activist Phạm Đoan Trang, and Fulton County Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ “Shaye” Moss. The ceremony was hosted by Seth Meyers and featured remarks from author Malcolm Gladwell, journalist Andrea Mitchell, filmmaker Tyler Perry, and PEN America president Jenny Finney Boylan.
The Awards
PEN/Benenson Courage Award
The PEN/Benenson Courage Award honors exceptional acts of courage in the exercise of freedom of expression. The honoree is chosen for their remarkable willingness to face adversity, risk, and personal sacrifice to defend this fundamental human right.
PEN/Barbey Freedom To Write Award
The PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award is a powerful tool in PEN America’s year-round efforts to end the persecution of writers and defend free expression. Established in 2016, this award is designed to honor a writer imprisoned for his or her work.
PEN/Audible Literary Service Award
The PEN/Audible Literary Service Award honors an important writer whose work has drawn a wide audience and who helps us understand the human condition in original and powerful ways.
Business Visionary Award
The Business Visionary Award recognizes outstanding leadership of an individual in the publishing or corporate world that embraces the power of literature to shape democratic and humane values.
