PEN America Honors Film Producer Jason Blum and Author Ann Patchett for Literary Contributions
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PEN America, a century-old organization dedicated to free expression, has announced its latest awards recipients: Oscar-nominated producer Jason Blum and renowned author Ann Patchett. Blum will receive the Business Visionary award for his pioneering work in transforming the horror genre into a driving force in contemporary culture. Patchett, celebrated for her novels such as 'Bel Canto' and 'The Dutch House,' will be honored with the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award for her dedication to the literary community. Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions, has overseen films like 'BlacKkKlansman,' 'Whiplash,' and the 'Paranormal Activity' and 'Halloween' franchises. PEN praised Blum for his 'daring and diverse films that have often tackled social issues at their core.' Blum expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of freedom to tell horror stories, citing the issue of book bans in American schools. Patchett, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and winner of the PEN/Faulkner award, is recognized for her literary service to the community. She is also celebrated for co-founding Parnassus Books in Nashville, which has become a refuge for readers and writers. Patchett's novels are known for their humor and heart, distilling the essence of the human condition. The PEN America gala, scheduled for May 14, will be held at the American Museum of Natural History and will honor Blum and Patchett alongside other literary service honorees, including Toni Morrison and Bob Woodward.
