PEN America Will Honor Sarah Jessica Parker at Annual Gala

Sarah Jessica Parker to be Recognized by PEN America

Acclaimed actress Sarah Jessica Parker is set to receive the prestigious PEN Audible Literary Service Award from PEN America in recognition of her dedicated advocacy for the freedom to read. The organization made this announcement on Friday, February 14, revealing that Parker, famous for her role in Sex and the City, will be honoured at the 16th annual gala on Thursday, May 15. The event aims to celebrate exceptional contributors in various fields such as literature, the arts, journalism, publishing, and film, as well as individuals who have demonstrated bravery by standing up for free expression against oppressive regimes.

Notably, among Parker’s recent achievements is her executive production role in the new documentary film titled “The Librarians.” The documentary sheds light on the efforts of librarians across the nation who are actively working to counter legislative measures aimed at removing books from educational institutions and public libraries. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, the film underscores Parker’s commitment to defending the freedom to read and promoting diverse voices in literature.

In addition to her work on “The Librarians,” Sarah Jessica Parker is being lauded by PEN America for her efforts in uplifting underrepresented voices through her own publishing imprint, SJP Lit. This recognition further solidifies her status as a cultural icon who actively champions for inclusivity and representation in the literary world.

One of the co-CEOs of PEN America, Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, highlighted the critical importance of Parker’s advocacy, especially in the face of a concerning trend of books by underrepresented writers being removed from educational settings. Shariyf praised Parker for her unwavering commitment to preserving the freedom to read and for amplifying the voices of emerging talents in contemporary American literature. The decision to honour Parker with this prestigious award reflects PEN America’s appreciation for her multifaceted contributions to the literary landscape.

Joining the ranks of esteemed past recipients such as Paul Simon, Margaret Atwood, and Toni Morrison, Sarah Jessica Parker will be celebrated alongside fellow literary luminaries at the gala. The event will also feature renowned authors and PEN America trustees Jodi Picoult and Dinaw Mengestu as the literary co-chairs, underscoring the collective effort to champion literary excellence and freedom of expression.

Furthermore, Jon Yaged, the CEO of Macmillan Publishers, will be presented with the Business Visionary award in recognition of his longstanding dedication to publishing diverse authors and combatting book bans. As book censorship continues to escalate in public institutions, Yaged’s advocacy for the right to read and his commitment to amplifying diverse voices have made him a stalwart defender of literary freedom.

In a statement, co-CEO of PEN America, Summer Lopez, commended Yaged’s unwavering stance against book bans that disproportionately target BIPOC and LGBTQ+ literature. Lopez credited Yaged for his instrumental role in advocating for diverse representation in publishing and fostering a love for reading among young people, acknowledging the profound impact of his advocacy on democratic values.

In conclusion, Sarah Jessica Parker’s forthcoming recognition by PEN America serves as a testament to her dedication to championing the freedom to read and elevating marginalized voices within the realm of literature. As the gala approaches, the literary community eagerly anticipates celebrating Parker’s achievements and the spirit of inclusivity and activism that she embodies.