Writer and Critic Jacqueline Rose Awarded 2026 PEN Pinter Prize

The PEN Pinter Prize for 2026 has been awarded to the acclaimed writer and critic Jacqueline Rose. This annual honor is given to a writer of outstanding literary merit who resides in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, or the Commonwealth. The award celebrates authors who demonstrate a fierce intellectual determination to define the real truth of our lives and societies. The prize was established in memory of the Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter. It seeks to highlight voices that cast an unflinching and unswerving gaze upon the world. Rose was selected for this recognition by a panel of distinguished judges including Ruth Borthwick, Will Harris, and Tanika Gupta. Borthwick, who serves as the Chair of English PEN, led the selection process for this year's recipient. Rose is widely recognized as one of the most important living feminist critics for her extensive work on literature and psychoanalysis. Her writing often explores complex themes related to social and political issues in regions such as South Africa and Israel and Palestine. In addition to her critical essays, she has authored several influential books that examine the intersection of culture and the human psyche. Her latest work, a novel titled Two Women, is based on the lives of philosophers Edith Stein and Gillian Rose and is scheduled for publication later this year. The PEN Pinter Prize also includes the selection of a Writer of Courage, who is recognized for their active defense of freedom of expression. This co-winner is chosen by the primary prize recipient and will be announced during the official award ceremony. The inclusion of this secondary honor underscores the prize's commitment to supporting writers who face significant risks to their safety and liberty. By honoring Rose, the organization continues its tradition of supporting literature that challenges readers to confront difficult realities. The award ceremony will provide a platform for both Rose and the Writer of Courage to share their perspectives on the current state of global discourse. This recognition serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Rose's intellectual contributions to contemporary letters.