BJ Novak to Host PEN America Gala at Natural History Museum

The actor and author will emcee the organization's annual fundraising event on May 14.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:34pm

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Actor, filmmaker, and author BJ Novak will host the upcoming PEN America gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on May 14. Hundreds from the publishing community and beyond are expected to gather for the free expression organization's signature fundraising event.

Why it matters

PEN America is a prominent non-profit that advocates for free speech and literary expression, making Novak's involvement significant as a high-profile figure in both entertainment and publishing.

The details

Novak is known for his role as Ryan Howard on the hit TV series 'The Office' as well as for his bestselling books 'One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories' and 'The Book with No Pictures'. PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf said Novak's 'exceptional and wide-ranging artistry' makes him ideal to celebrate the written word and free expression at a time when governments are increasingly trying to censor and deny both.

  • The PEN America gala will take place on May 14, 2026.

The players

BJ Novak

An actor, filmmaker, and author known for his role on 'The Office' and bestselling books.

PEN America

A non-profit organization that advocates for free speech and literary expression.

Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf

The co-CEO of PEN America.

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.

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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 of PEN America

The takeaway

Novak's involvement as host of the PEN America gala highlights the organization's important role in defending free speech and literary expression, especially at a time when these values face increasing threats around the world.