Penn Badgley Channels “Gossip Girl” at 25th Annual Young Lions Fiction Award Ceremony

Penn Badgley Emcees 25th Annual Young Lions Fiction Award Ceremony

Penn Badgley, popularly known for his role in ‘Gossip Girl’, took a trip down memory lane as he emceed the 25th Annual Young Lions Fiction Award ceremony. The event, hosted at the New York Public Library on June 12, saw the actor stepping into the shoes of his character, Dan Humphrey, who was once nominated for the same award on the TV series. The prestigious Young Lions Fiction Award is presented to a fiction writer aged 35 or below each year.

Badgley expressed his inspiration and gratitude for being part of the literary event, highlighting the significance of libraries as spaces for knowledge, connection, and opportunity for everyone. He underlined the importance of libraries in providing diverse perspectives and deepening our understanding of the world around us. The actor’s presence added a touch of nostalgia and glamour to the evening, captivating the audience with his charm and wit.

The 2025 Young Lions Fiction Award nominees showcased incredible talent, with authors like Pemi Aguda, Eliza Barry Callahan, Alexander Sammartino, Santiago Jose Sanchez, and Karla Cornejo Villavicencio vying for the coveted prize. Each nominee’s work was celebrated through excerpts read by esteemed guests, including Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Alexa Barajas, and Millicent Simmonds. The event brought together a mix of established and emerging literary voices, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.

Established by Ethan Hawke, Rick Moody, Hannah McFarland, and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, the Young Lions Fiction Award aims to recognise and support young authors in making a mark in the literary world. The winner is selected by a committee comprising writers, librarians, and editors and receives a generous cash prize of $10,000. This year, Alexander Sammartino clinched the award for his satirical novel ‘Last Acts’, a story that explores the dynamics between a father and son navigating financial challenges.

In his acceptance speech, Sammartino expressed his gratitude towards books, libraries, and those advocating for their preservation. He reminisced about his early days at the New York Public Library, reflecting on his growth as a writer since then. The author’s humble acknowledgment of the support he received resonated with the audience, highlighting the power of literature in shaping lives and perspectives.

Antony W. Marx, President of the New York Public Library, commended the Award for championing early-career and diverse voices in the literary landscape. The event not only honoured the winner but also celebrated the collective effort to nurture and promote literary talent. The Young Lions Fiction Award remains a beacon of hope for aspiring writers, offering recognition and support to those carving their paths in the literary world.

The 25th Annual Young Lions Fiction Award ceremony was a star-studded affair, with celebrities like Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Millicent Simmonds, and Alexa Barajas gracing the event with their presence. The readings, speeches, and interactions at the ceremony underscored the importance of literature in shaping conversations, fostering creativity, and building communities. As the literary world continues to evolve, events like these serve as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the impact it has on individuals and society.

As the spotlight shone on the young literary talents honoured at the ceremony, Penn Badgley’s participation added a touch of glamour and nostalgia, bridging the worlds of fiction and reality. The event not only celebrated the winner and nominees but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the literary community in championing creativity and diversity. The Young Lions Fiction Award ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of storytelling and the profound influence it wields in shaping hearts and minds.