PEN America Will Honor Sarah Jessica Parker at Annual Gala

Mar. 15, 2025

Sarah Jessica Parker and Jodi Picoult.Photo:Daniele Venturelli/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Daniele Venturelli/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

The organization announced on Friday, Feb. 14, that theSex and the Citystar will receive the PEN Audible Literary Service Award at its 16th annual gala on Thursday, May 15.

The upcoming celebration honors “extraordinary contributors in literature, the arts, journalism, publishing and film, alongside courageous individuals who have stood up for free expression against oppressive regimes,” per thepress release.

The actress and literary champion executive-produced the new documentary filmThe Librarians,which chronicles librarians nationwide who are making grassroots attempts to combat legislation pulling books from schools and public libraries. The film premiered atSundance Film Festivalin January 2025.

Along with celebrating her work on the new documentary, PEN America is also honoring the activist for “uplifting underrepresented voices through her own imprint, SJP Lit,” per the press release.

Sarah Jessica Parker on November 23, 2024 in Turin, Italy.Daniele Venturelli/Getty

Daniele Venturelli/Getty

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“For these reasons, we are delighted to honor this multi-talented artist and cultural icon with one of our most prestigious awards,” Shariyf concluded.

Parker joins the likes of former PEN Literary Service Award honorees, including 2024 recipient Paul Simon, as well as previous winnersMargaret Atwood,Bob Woodward,Stephen King,Patti Smith,Toni Morrison,Stephen Sondheim,Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr.andLorne Michaels.

Jodi Picoult on November 14, 2013 in New York City.Andrew Toth/FilmMagic

Andrew Toth/FilmMagic

“Jon Yaged has spoken with eloquence and force against the limiting and chilling effects of book bans that have skyrocketed in public schools and libraries," co-CEO Summer Lopez said in the statement.

“For decades, Jon has been a stalwart defender of the right to read and a champion of ensuring publishing represents diverse voices and perspectives, understanding the fundamental role of these values in a democratic society.”

source: people.com