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.
2025 Literary Gala
PEN America gathered on May 15 to celebrate the freedoms to write, read, and speak and to honor defenders of these rights at a perilous moment. Hosted by CNN’s Amber Ruffin, the honorees included iconic actor, producer and independent publisher Sarah Jessica Parker, Macmillan Publishers CEO Jon Yaged, and Wesleyan University President Michael Roth. The event brought together extraordinary contributors in literature, the arts, journalism, publishing, and film, while honoring the courageous imprisoned Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy who has been jailed for seven years for his poems critical of the government.
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 a writer or advocate who has served the literary community through their words or work.
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.
