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
PEN America Literary Gala Makes Energizing In-Person Return, Celebrating Bold Voices in Literature, Journalism, and Free Expression
Literary New York stood resurrected last night after an 18-month pause at PEN America’s 2021 Literary Gala, an evening celebrating luminaries who lend their voices to clarion calls for… More
Ayad Akhtar’s Remarks at the 2021 PEN America Literary Gala
“Reading, of course, is an individual act, but a culture that fosters reading and one that supports writers, invariably compels us to presence, to protest, to celebration.” More
2021 PEN/Benenson Courage Award: Gail Newel and Mimi Hall
PEN America bestows its 2021 PEN/Benenson Courage Award on Gail Newel and Mimi Hall. More
2021 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award: Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bajan, and Reza Khandan Mahabadi
PEN America bestows its 2021 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award on Iranian writers Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bajan, and Reza Khandan Mahabadi. More
Awkwafina to Host 2021 PEN America Literary Gala
PEN America announced today that Golden Globe-winning actor, writer, producer, rapper, and comedian Awkwafina will host this year’s PEN America Literary Gala on October 5. More
Wole Soyinka to Present Award to Henry Louis Gates Jr. at PEN America Gala
PEN America announced today that acclaimed Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Wole Soyinka will fly in from Nigeria to offer remarks at the organization’s 2021 Literary Gala celebration in… More
2021 PEN/Audible Literary Service Award: Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Henry Louis Gates Jr., the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center at Harvard University, is the 2021 PEN/Audible Literary Service Awardee. More
Henry Louis Gates Jr., Robert A. Iger Set to Receive Top Honors at This Year’s PEN America Gala
At its annual gala to take place October 5, the literary and free expression group PEN America will honor writer, critic, professor, and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. and… More