BJ Novak to host PEN America gala

Event set for May 14 at American Museum of Natural History

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Actor, filmmaker, and author BJ Novak will host next month's PEN America gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Hundreds in the publishing community and beyond are expected to gather for the free expression organization's signature fundraising event.

Why it matters

Novak's exceptional and wide-ranging artistry across screen, page, and writing rooms makes him an ideal host to celebrate the written word and free expression at a time when governments are increasingly seeking to censor and deny both.

The details

The PEN America gala on May 14 will honor author-bookseller Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum. Novak is known for his role as Ryan Howard on 'The Office' and for bestselling books like 'One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories' and 'The Book with No Pictures'.

  • The PEN America gala is scheduled for May 14, 2026.

The players

BJ Novak

An actor, filmmaker, and author who will host the PEN America gala.

Ann Patchett

An author and bookseller who will be honored at the PEN America gala.

Jason Blum

A film producer who will be honored at the PEN America gala.

Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf

The co-CEO of PEN America, the organization hosting the gala.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“His exceptional and wide-ranging artistry on screen, on the page, and in writing rooms makes him ideal to celebrate the written word and free expression at a moment when governments want to censor and deny both at alarming levels.”

— Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, Co-CEO, PEN America

The takeaway

The PEN America gala is an important event celebrating free expression and the written word, and BJ Novak's involvement as host underscores the significance of the occasion given his multifaceted creative talents and influence.