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B.J. Novak is stepping into the prestigious role of master of ceremonies for PEN America’s 2026 Literary Gala on May 14. The acclaimed actor, writer and director will host the renowned organization’s flagship event celebrating free expression at a critical moment. This honor reflects his extraordinary versatility across entertainment, film, and publishing.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Host: B.J. Novak, award-winning actor, director, and bestselling author
- Date: May 14, 2026, at the American Museum of Natural History’s iconic whale room in New York City
- Honorees: Ann Patchett receives the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, Jason Blum honored with Business Visionary award
- Chairs: David Remnick (The New Yorker editor-in-chief) and Kwame Anthony Appiah lead the event
The Office Star Embraces Literary Leadership
B.J. Novak remains best known for his iconic television role in “The Office,” where he played Ryan Howard while also serving as a writer and executive producer. Beyond television, Novak has demonstrated remarkable creative range across multiple mediums. He earned an Emmy nomination and SAG Ensemble Award recognition for his diverse work in entertainment. According to PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, his selection reflects his unique stature in the creative world today.
Novak’s filmography spans prestigious projects including Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Aaron Sorkin’s “The Newsroom.” He also wrote and directed the critically acclaimed film “Vengeance,” demonstrating sophisticated command behind the camera. His upcoming work includes a role in Disney’s “The Devil Wears Prada: Part Two,” alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, releasing May 1, 2026.
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BJ Novak to host prestigious PEN America Literary Gala on May 14
Bestselling Author and Publishing Success
Beyond Hollywood, Novak has established himself as a New York Times bestselling author with remarkable publishing achievements. His debut literary work, “One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories,” earned widespread critical acclaim and proved his singular wit as a writer. The collection showcases his narrative voice across diverse, imaginative short fiction exploring contemporary themes with sharp humor.
His children’s book “The Book with No Pictures” became a publishing phenomenon, spending 192 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, with 34 of those weeks at number one. The innovative title redefined how young readers experience storytelling, demonstrating Novak’s ability to connect with audiences across age groups and formats.
PEN America Gala Celebrates Literary Freedom and Distinguished Honorees
The 2026 Literary Gala represents PEN America’s flagship annual event defending free expression and supporting writers at risk worldwide. This year’s gathering brings together hundreds of leaders in the literary community including authors, journalists, publishers, and cultural figures. The event will feature more than 50 prominent writers serving as literary hosts at individual tables throughout the evening.
Notable literary hosts include Sigrid Nunez (2018 National Book Award winner), Elin Hilderbrand, acclaimed crime novelist Walter Mosley, and Academy Award-nominated director Griffin Dunne. The event’s co-chairs, David Remnick and Kwame Anthony Appiah, represent the highest echelon of literary leadership in America. This convergence creates an unparalleled celebration of civilian and civic courage through writing.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Venue | American Museum of Natural History, Whale Room, NYC |
| Date | Thursday, May 14, 2026 |
| Host | B.J. Novak, actor, writer, director, author |
| Co-Chairs | David Remnick and Kwame Anthony Appiah |
“B.J. Novak is a brilliant creator in entertainment, film and publishing and we are thrilled and honored to have him host our annual gala. 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, PEN America Co-CEO
Why B.J. Novak’s Selection Matters Now
Multidisciplinary creators like Novak represent exactly what literary organizations seek when selecting prominent voices. His career demonstrates that writing excellence and entertainment success reinforce rather than compete with each other. In an era where censorship and government restrictions on expression intensify globally, PEN America recognized that hosting the gala required someone equally comfortable discussing freedom of the press as much as launching blockbuster films or publishing acclaimed storytelling.
Harvard University graduate Novak maintains a multifaceted creative portfolio including recent ventures beyond traditional media. He co-founded “Chain,” a celebrated LA-based gourmet pop-up restaurant offering whimsical reinventions of American fast-food classics, which recently partnered with Gordon Ramsay and Fox for expanded ventures. This entrepreneurial spirit alongside his literary work exemplifies genuine creative leadership.
Will You Witness Literary History on May 14?
The 2026 PEN America Literary Gala continues a storied tradition honoring legendary figures in American literary culture. Past honorees include President Barack Obama, Ava DuVernay, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Patti Smith, and Sarah Jessica Parker. With Novak hosting and celebrating Ann Patchett and Jason Blum, this year promises to cement the event’s place as the annual literary and cultural calendar milestone.
Funds raised support PEN America’s vital mission defending free expression in the United States and worldwide. The organization champions the power of writing to transform the world while protecting writers facing persecution for their words. This May 14 celebration merges entertainment, literature, and human rights advocacy into one luminous evening.
Sources
- PEN America Press Release – Official announcement of B.J. Novak hosting 2026 Literary Gala on May 14
- People Magazine – Comprehensive coverage of event honorees, chairs, and literary host participants
- Associated Press – Reporting on Novak’s selection and event details at American Museum of Natural History
