Members Only
2025 Authors Guild Annual Meeting
March 18, 2025
Authors Guild Foundation Honors Champions of Artistic Freedom: Robert Caro, Sandra Cisneros, and Salman Rushdie
March 31, 2025
NEW YORK, NY—In a powerful celebration of literary courage and advocacy, the Authors Guild Foundation will honor three transformative voices in contemporary literature at its Annual Gala on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Gotham Hall in New York City. Previously announced honoree Robert A. Caro will receive the Preston Award for Distinguished Service to the Literary Community in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to historical writing and scholarship. Salman Rushdie will be honored with the Champion of Writers Award for his steadfast commitment to free expression, and Sandra Cisneros will receive the Baldacci Award for Literary Activism for her tireless efforts in championing literary access and social justice. Their groundbreaking work and unwavering dedication to protecting creative freedom continue to shape the literary landscape and the fight for artistic expression.
Salman Rushdie, author of Midnight’s Children and the recent National Book Award finalist Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, embodies the spirit of the Champion award through his extraordinary dedication to defending writers and free expression. He tirelessly supported initiatives that protect writers at risk and uphold the universal right to free expression. His commitment to literature as a force for societal transformation has earned him numerous honors, and his leadership roles have profoundly impacted the literary community and broader cultural landscape. Author and artist Rachel Eliza Griffith will be presenting this award.
Sandra Cisneros, whose classic novel The House on Mango Street has sold more than 7 million copies and been translated into more than 25 languages, will be recognized for her transformative impact on literary activism. Through initiatives like the Macondo Writers Workshop, which she founded to nurture socially engaged writers, Cisneros has created vital platforms for underrepresented voices. Her commitment extends beyond her acclaimed writing to address pressing societal issues, including gender equality, cultural identity, and immigrant rights. Author Xochitl Gonzalez will be presenting the award to Cisneros.
“Rushdie’s lifelong defense of artistic expression, even in the face of extreme personal danger and brutal assault, has shown us what true literary courage means,” said Marie Arana, president of the Authors Guild Foundation. “Cisneros has not only opened doors for generations of voices previously absent from American literature but continues to build new spaces for emerging writers to thrive. These authors represent the very heart of our mission: protecting creative freedom while ensuring every story has the chance to be told.”
Saturday Night Live star Ego Nwodim, currently in her seventh season as a main cast member and recent NAACP Award nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, will host the evening.
The annual Authors Guild Foundation Gala gathers approximately 400 writers, publishers, agents, philanthropists, and champions of the written word who support our advocacy work and literary programming.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, please contact Nikki Maniscalco at gala@authorsguildfoundation.org.
About the Authors Guild and Authors Guild Foundation
With more than 15,000 members, the Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization for published writers in the United States. It is dedicated to advocating for authors’ rights, fair pay, free expression. It protects writers against challenges such as censorship, book bans, the misuse of AI, and nonpayment. It offers resources, legal support, and a professional community to help authors sustain their careers and thrive in an evolving literary landscape.
The Authors Guild Foundation is the charitable arm that supports the work of the Authors Guild. It strengthens the Guild’s efforts to combat book bans, advocate for free expression, and champion writers’ rights. Additionally, the Foundation expands access to educational programs and literary events, connecting writers and readers through initiatives like the WIT Literary Festival and public talks.
Together, they safeguard writers, defend free expression, and make literature accessible for everyone.