Last Friday night some of Hollywood’s most talented writers, actors, producers, and directors gathered together with the literary community to celebrate the freedom of expression at PEN America’s 29th Annual LitFest Gala. The night took place at the quintessential Beverly Wilshire Hotel and was full of inspiration.
Many awards were presented to creatives whose work aligns with PEN America’s mission “to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Chrissy Metz performs onstage during the 29th Annual PEN America LitFestGala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 01, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for PEN America)
The night encompassed several heartfelt tributes. Chrissy Metz performed her soulful song “I’m Standing With You” from her first breakout movie role, “Breakthrough.” Metz performed it as a tribute to songwriting legend Diane Warren who wrote it and was presented with the Artistic Expression Award.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Chrissy Metz and Diane Warren pose for a photo backstage during the 29th Annual PEN America LitFestGala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 01, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for PEN America)
Their song “I’m Standing With You” is already garnering Oscar buzz for Best Original Song. When The Knockturnal asked Chrissy about the possibility of winning she gushed with excitement. “You know Diane has been nominated ten times, so I hope I am the lucky eleven. With the song, I could not even fathom it. Although, I would want to you know?”
Other award winners included Journalist Julie Brown (Dan Eldon Courage in Journalism Award) for her part in helping share the courageous stories of women who had previously been sexually assaulted. Also, the incredible writers and producers for the Netflix series “Unbelievable”, including Writers/Executive Producers Susannah Grant, Michael Chabon, Ayelet Waldman, and Sarah Timberman (Award for Television Excellence).
Additionally, Comedian Kathy Griffin took to the stage to share her personal experiences with freedom of speech, sharing with the crowd how her life has changed since her President Trump scandal two years ago. She then honored Ted Boutrous with the Distinguished Leadership Award for his work in helping restore Jim Acosta’s White House press credentials after President Trump and other White House personnel had them taken away.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Kathy Griffin and Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. attend the 29th Annual PEN America LitFestGala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 01, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for PEN America)
“This Is Us” actress Susan Kelechi Watson was also on hand to present the writers of her upcoming film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster with the Award for Screenplay Excellence.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Susan Kelechi Watson attends the 29th Annual PEN America LitFestGala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 01, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for PEN America)
Multiple-Emmy Award winner and esteemed author Levar Burton gave an emotional tribute to Toni Morrison highlighting her exceptional gift for writing stories that spoke to the experiences of Black Americans and being unapologetic about doing just that. Morrison was also a faithful supporter of PEN America while she was alive.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: LeVar Burton speaks onstage during the 29th Annual PEN America LitFestGala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 01, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for PEN America)
The gala concluded with Ava Duvernay receiving The Voice of Influence Award presented to her by her good friend and Emmy Award-winning actor Blair Underwood. In her acceptance speech, Duvernay emphasized the importance of creating space for others and dedicated the award to artists and activists who may never get into a room like the one the gala was in but those whose works will remain in the shadows.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Ava DuVernay and Blair Underwood attend the 29th Annual PEN America LitFestGala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 01, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for PEN America)
The proceeds from the gala will fuel “advocacy for writers, journalists, and artists threatened or imprisoned worldwide; landmark research addressing critical free speech issues, and the advancement of literary excellence and cross-cultural exchanges.”
To learn more about PEN America and how you can get involved with their incredible work check out their website.