PEN America cancels awards ceremony over candidates’ withdrawals

PEN America has called off its prestigious annual awards ceremony which was scheduled for next week. 

This came following a wave of withdrawals by candidates protesting the organization’s alleged silence on Israel’s war on Gaza.

Over 30 writers backed out, accusing PEN of failing to condemn the war which has killed over 30,000 Palestinians, including more than 14,000 children. 

Nearly half of the nominees declined their nominations. 

The cancellations were prompted by concerns that PEN was neglecting its values and serving as a cultural front for American interests. 

Since last October, authors affiliated with PEN have repeatedly denounced the historic organization for allegedly favoring Israel and downplaying atrocities against Palestinian writers and journalists. 

In an open letter published last month, signatories criticized PEN for not mobilizing “any substantial coordinated support” for Palestinians and for not upholding its mission to “dispel all hatreds and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in peace and equality in one world.”  

PEN expressed regret for the situation, acknowledging the spotlight shifted from the judges’ selections to the controversy.

Founded in 1922, PEN America is a nonprofit organization which hosts public events including the annual PEN America Literary Awards, sometimes referred to as the Oscars of Books.