Ayad Akhtar’s Remarks at the 2022 PEN America Literary Gala
"Yes, speaking is at the root of it all, but we cannot only be speakers. We must be those listening, as well." More
Amid Tumultuous Year, PEN America Virtual Gala Celebrates Acts of Courage and Bravery by Those Who Stand Up to Oppression
"I’m heartened to think that this assembly of not always like-minded but always like-hearted writers and thinkers and advocates—that our assembly tonight points to our power.” More
PEN America Announces September 15 as New Date for 2020 Literary Gala
As a global public health crisis underscores the importance of credible, vital information, PEN America has confirmed a new date for the 2020 PEN America Literary Gala, its annual… More
Audible to Support PEN America’s Annual Literary Service Prize
(New York, NY) — PEN America today announced that Audible, the world’s largest producer and provider of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks, will support the organization’s annual Literary Service Award, which this year will go to renowned… More
DARE: Stephen King Among the Honorees at PEN America Gala
Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale, tells the 2018 PEN America Literary Gala that "the autocrats' playbook for discrediting critical coverage… is now going viral" and warns "the… More
2016 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award: Lee-Anne Walters and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
At the 2016 PEN Literary Gala, Lee-Anne Walters and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha of Flint, Michigan, will receive the 2016 PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award, which was established in 2014 to… More
2016 PEN Publisher Honoree: Michael Pietsch
MICHAEL PIETSCH2016 PEN Publisher HonoreeAt the 2016 PEN Literary Gala, PEN America will honor Hachette Book Group CEO Michael… More
2016 PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award: J. K. Rowling
J. K. ROWLING 2016 PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award Honoree At the 2016 PEN Literary Gala, Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling will receive the… More
2016 PEN Literary Gala & Free Expression Awards
Monday, May 16, 6:30pm American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street, New York City Watch video and read full transcripts of individual remarks here. _______________________________________________ We would like to thank… More
2015 PEN Literary Gala Remarks
May 5, 2015American Museum of Natural History, New York CityWelcome RemarksAndrew Solomon, PEN PresidentWelcome from 2015 Publisher HonoreeMarkus Dohle, CEO, Penguin Random HousePresentation of the 2015 PEN/Allen Foundation Literary… More