Sarah Jessica Parker Honored for Literary Advocacy by PEN America

Actress, producer, and literary advocate Sarah Jessica Parker is set to receive PEN America’s Literary Service Award at the organization’s annual spring gala on May 15, 2025 according AP. Known for her role in Sex and the City, Parker has also made waves in the literary world, championing new voices and fighting for the freedom to read.

A Passion for Books

Beyond her work in Hollywood, Parker has been a driving force in the publishing industry. As the founder of SJP Lit, an imprint dedicated to showcasing exceptional contemporary literature, she has actively promoted diverse voices. Most recently, she served as an executive producer for The Librarians, a powerful documentary that sheds light on book bans and censorship, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.

“We are now at a crisis point with books by underrepresented writers being pulled from school libraries and classrooms,” said PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf. “Sarah Jessica Parker is pushing back against these bans and shining a light on exceptional new voices in American literature.”

Recognizing Visionaries

Also being honored at the event is Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers, who will receive the Business Visionary Award. Yaged, who oversees a roster of bestselling authors including Sally Rooney, Kristin Hannah, and S.A. Cosby, has been a vocal advocate against book bans and a champion for diverse storytelling.

PEN America’s Business Visionary Award recognizes publishing leaders who embrace literature’s role in shaping democratic and humane values. PEN co-CEO Summer Lopez praised Yaged for his “eloquence and force” in defending the right to read and publishing diverse perspectives.

A Tradition of Celebrating Literary Impact

The PEN/Audible Literary Service Award has historically honored writers with a profound influence on society, including Toni Morrison and Stephen Sondheim. The criteria have since expanded to recognize literary advocates who use their platform to support reading, writing, and intellectual freedom.

With book bans at an all-time high, Parker’s recognition underscores the urgent need to protect literature and ensure stories of all kinds continue to reach readers.