“Get Out” Producer Jason Blum and Author Ann Patchett to Be Honored By PEN America

Producer Jason Blum and Author Ann Patchett Set to Receive Honors from PEN America

Renowned film producer Jason Blum and acclaimed novelist Ann Patchett have been selected to be honoured by PEN America. The prestigious literary organization announced that Blum and Patchett will be recognized at the upcoming 2026 Literary Gala, a night of celebration and recognition for their outstanding contributions to the world of arts and literature.

Blum, the mastermind behind Blumhouse Productions, will be receiving the distinguished Business Visionary Award. This accolade places him amongst an elite group of past recipients such as Ted Sarandos of Netflix and Robert A. Iger of Disney. With a reputation for pushing boundaries and redefining genres, Blum has made a significant impact on the film industry.

On the other hand, Patchett will be bestowed with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, an honour previously granted to notable figures like former president Barack Obama and renowned author Stephen King. Patchett’s ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships and morality through her compelling storytelling has earned her widespread acclaim in the literary world.

The gala is scheduled to take place on May 14, 2026, at the esteemed American Museum of Natural History in the bustling city of New York. The event promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating the exceptional talents of Blum, Patchett, and other esteemed individuals within the literary community.

PEN America’s Interim Co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf commended Patchett for her profound impact on literature, stating, “Ann Patchett distills the essence of the human condition with humour and heart in stories that explore the depth and meaning of family, friendship, and morality.” Shariyf highlighted Patchett’s unwavering commitment to supporting emerging writers and fostering a sense of community within the literary sphere.

In praise of Blum’s innovative approach to storytelling, Interim Co-CEO Summer Lopez expressed, “As moviegoers, we have all felt the exhilaration of an unnerving horror story, but until Jason Blum’s thoroughly audacious approach, we had never seen this genre electrified with such daring, diverse, and complex storytelling.” Lopez lauded Blum’s ability to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of storytelling in the film industry.

Patchett, a prolific author with nine published books and a tenth on the horizon for 2026, has been recognised with prestigious awards such as the PEN/Faulkner Award and the National Humanities Medal. When not engrossed in her writing endeavours, Patchett devotes her time to running Parnassus Books, a beloved independent bookstore in Nashville.

Blum, celebrated for producing iconic film franchises like Halloween, Paranormal Activity, and Get Out, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. With a diverse portfolio of critically acclaimed works, including Glass and BlacKkKlansman, his contributions to the entertainment industry have garnered widespread acclaim and accolades.

As the literary community prepares to celebrate the achievements of these two remarkable individuals, the PEN America Literary Gala promises to be an evening filled with inspiration, creativity, and a shared appreciation for the power of storytelling to shape culture and ignite change.