The Biggest Stars B.J. Novak Name-Checked in His PEN America Literary Gala Speech

The PEN America Literary Gala, an esteemed annual event, took place on May 14 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This year’s celebration was hosted by B.J. Novak, a well-known actor and author, who took centre stage to honour those in the literary community who champion free speech and the written word.

As the night unfolded, the mission of PEN America—an organisation focused on defending freedom of expression—was evident. Novak emphasised the importance of literature as a vehicle for conversation and emotional exploration. “Supporting PEN is about freedom of speech, freedom of expression,” he remarked. “It’s about standing up for the real human authors who inspire us to confront uncomfortable feelings and refine our thoughts.” In his opening address, Novak also spoke about the allure of literature, highlighting its glamorous aspects.

Throughout the evening, Novak entertained the audience with references to several iconic writers and celebrities who have made profound cultural contributions. His unique take included a light-hearted mention of actor Nicolas Cage, comparing him to a waiter intent on stealing a dinosaur skull, underscoring the juxtaposition of literary greatness with a touch of Hollywood panache.

Among those spotlighted was horror master Stephen King, whom Novak dubbed a significant source of inspiration. “For me, it was watching Red Sox games on Channel 38 and realising that Stephen King had season tickets,” he mused, illustrating the intertwining of literature and popular culture.

Novak also took the opportunity to acknowledge the legacy of legendary authors such as Jack Kerouac, Charles Bukowski, and James Baldwin. He recognised the influence writers have as both inspirations and trendsetters in the literary world. “We’ve seen their images alongside musical icons like Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain,” he noted, advocating for a renewed commitment to nurturing new literary talents.

The event also highlighted the growing involvement of celebrity figures in advocating for literature. Novak mentioned several A-listers, including Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, who have embraced reading and book clubs as part of their public personas. “I love that Bella Hadid rocks a Strand tote bag,” Novak stated, celebrating the blend of celebrity culture and literary appreciation in contemporary society.

Another prominent figure acknowledged during the gala was Ann Patchett, the award-winning author and bookseller, who received the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award. Novak praised Patchett not only for her literary contributions but for her appeal as a cultural icon, quipping, “I think it’s great that Ann Patchett is a smoke show.” This comment drew laughter from the audience while highlighting Patchett’s multifaceted talents.

Moreover, Novak’s speech included reflections on the evolving literary landscape, with a nod to modern writers such as Gary Shteyngart. He playfully expressed a desire for a film about aspiring writers entwined in their struggles for recognition, underscoring the necessity of mentorship in the literary community.

The gala also served as a platform for Novak to share whimsical thoughts about legends such as Bill Murray and George R. R. Martin. He commented on the fascination with Murray’s antics, revealing a desire to hear different narratives, particularly about Martin’s elusive work on “The Winds of Winter.” “I’m sick of hearing stories about Bill Murray crashing people’s weddings,” he joked.

Wrapping up his engaging address, Novak paid tribute to the crossover between literature and film, mentioning notable adaptations including Paul Mescal’s recent role in “Hamnet” and Jessie Buckley’s Oscar-winning performance. Noting how these adaptations breathe life into literary works and captivate audiences, he expressed enthusiasm for upcoming projects, including a movie inspired by the novel “Yesteryear.”

The PEN America Literary Gala demonstrated not only the celebration of literary excellence but also the crucial role authors, booksellers, and advocates play in promoting free expression and the written word. As stars mingled with the literary community, the evening served as a poignant reminder of the power of literature to inspire, entertain, and fortify the principles of free speech.