Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Turki bin Abdulmohsen Alalshikh inaugurated on Sunday the website for the “Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature” in a ceremony held in Riyadh.
This marks the first award by the GEA aimed at transforming literary works into cinematic productions.
“We were delighted three days ago to announce that Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan will sponsor this award as part of a significant agreement between the GEA and the ministry,” said Alalshikh in his speech at the ceremony.
He emphasized that the website will serve as a comprehensive repository of Arabic novels, screenplays, and related content, aligning with the large-scale productions underway across the Arab world, particularly in the Kingdom.
Regarding the Golden Pen Forum, Alalshikh stated that it will be a special gathering place for writers with free membership. He added that there will be specific criteria for selecting beneficiary members, making it a vibrant focal point throughout the year in the Arab world.
Chairman of the Golden Pen Award Dr. Saad Al-Bazei announced the main phases of the award during a press conference held on the sidelines of the official launch.
He explained that the submission period for literary works will open on the website on September 15 and continue until September 30. The longlist will be announced on November 30, with the shortlist following on December 30.
The winners will be announced, and the awards will be presented at a major ceremony scheduled for February 2025, with the attendance of a distinguished group of writers, intellectuals, filmmakers, and celebrities.
Al-Bazei outlined the six award categories: major awards for novels and screenplays, best-translated novel, best Arab publisher, and the People's Choice Award, with a total prize value of $740,000. He further detailed that for the major awards and screenplay categories, the first-place prize will consist of $100,000 and a film production; the second-place prize, $50,000 and a film production; and the third-place prize, $30,000.
The novel categories will include eight awards, each worth $25,000, covering Best Thriller Novel, Best Mystery and Crime Novel, Best Romance Novel, Best Fantasy Novel, Best Comedy Novel, Best Historical Novel, Best Horror Novel, and Best Realistic Novel.
Al-Bazei also highlighted that the Best Translated Novel will receive a $100,000 prize; the Best Arab Publisher will be awarded $50,000, and the People's Choice Award will be valued at $30,000. Voting for the People's Choice Award will open on the award’s website at a later date.
