The 62nd annual PEN America Literary Awards celebrated exceptional writing and translation on March 31, 2026, in New York City, showcasing a diverse array of literary talents. Held at Town Hall, the event, often dubbed “the Oscars for books,” gathered authors, translators, and supporters to honour the year’s outstanding literary achievements across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, and playwriting.
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Murray Hill, the comedian and author known for his engaging humour, took the reins as host for the evening. In his opening address, Hill highlighted the importance of free speech and multiculturalism, addressing current threats to diversity in artistic expression. “Governments are doing everything they can to squash diversity in our schools, our libraries, our businesses and our halls of power,” he remarked, emphasising that diverse perspectives are crucial to societal strength and resilience.
The event recognised a range of writers who have made significant contributions to literature over the past year. Notably, Aracelis Girmay was awarded the PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry Collection for her work, *Green of All Heads*. Reflecting on her achievement, Girmay expressed her uncertainty about whether her collection would resonate with readers. This sentiment echoed the evening’s underlying theme of the unpredictable nature of artistic reception.
In nonfiction, Nicholas Boggs was honoured with the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography for his exploration of the life of James Baldwin in *Baldwin: A Love Story*. Meanwhile, Peter Beinart received the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction for his thought-provoking work, *Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning*, both of which received acclaim for their impactful commentary on pressing issues.
Other noteworthy winners included Pria Anand, who garnered the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award for her insightful book, *The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains*. Acclaimed writer Jamaica Kincaid, known for her incisive prose, was celebrated with the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay for her collection *Putting Myself Together: Writing 1974-*.
In the fiction category, newcomer Jared Lemus received the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection for *Guatemalan Rhapsody*. Additionally, Justin Haynes was awarded the PEN Open Book Award for his novel *Ibis*, which acknowledges exceptional literary works by authors of colour. The PEN Translation Prize was awarded to *The Leucothea Dialogues*, originally penned by Cesare Pavese and translated by Minna Zallman Proctor.
The ceremony also highlighted groundbreaking contributions to literature through the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, presented to Cannupa Hanska Luger for *Surviva: A Future Ancestral Field Guide*. This award recognises works that push the boundaries of their respective genres and demonstrate significant potential for lasting influence.
Career achievement awards were an important aspect of the evening as well. Playwright Julia Cho received the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award, which recognises excellence in theatre. Actress Sue Jean Kim performed an excerpt from Cho’s play *Aubergine*, showcasing the depth and talent within dramatic writing.
In addition, novelist Edwidge Danticat was presented with the PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature. Actor Pascale Armans read from Danticat’s forthcoming novel, *Dèy*, while acclaimed writer Marlon James introduced her, confirming the profound impact of her work. Danticat shared how literature has allowed her to reclaim her voice and build community, stating, “It’s allowed me to build community and imagine beyond.”
PEN America collectively awarded nearly $350,000 in prize money to the event’s winners. Co-CEO of PEN America, Summer Lopez, articulated the significance of the gathering, asserting that literature is a vital thread connecting individuals in challenging times. “Tonight, we came together to uplift our shared love of books and literature’s profound role in connecting people, even as we witness in real time the relentless attacks on free expression by our government,” she said.
This year’s PEN America Literary Awards not only highlighted the rich tapestry of literary voices but also underscored the importance of storytelling as a transformative force in society. Each winner’s work serves as a testament to the enduring nature of literature in fostering dialogue, understanding, and community across diverse experiences.