Drew Barrymore Has Been Dropped as the Host for The National Book Awards
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Drew Barrymore has been removed from her role as the host of the upcoming National Book Awards ceremony. The decision came after her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, recorded its first episode amid the WGA and SAG strike.
Drew Barrymore Will No Longer Host The National Book Awards
Recently, Drew Barrymore announced the return of her daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, amid WGA and SAG strikes. Due to the return of The Drew Barrymore Show, The National Book Foundation, which organizes the literary event, rescinded her invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony. This ceremony is scheduled for November 15.
“The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture,” declared the National Book Foundation in a statement. “In light of the announcement that The Drew Barrymore Show will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms. Barrymore’s invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.”
This decision raised eyebrows and ignited a wave of discussions within the entertainment industry, the literary community, and the labor unions. The clash between Barrymore’s talk show and the ongoing strikes has served as the catalyst for this development.
Prominent authors such as Colson Whitehead and Alexander Chee questioned whether Barrymore should remain the host of the awards. Her involvement in the controversy and perceived disregard for the writers’ strike doesn’t sit well with those who cherish the importance of literature and the contributions of writers.
Drew Barrymore Addressed The Issue
In an Instagram post addressing the issue, Barrymore acknowledged the complexity of her decision. She also expressed her commitment to comply with the strike’s rules by not discussing or promoting struck work. She also emphasized her desire to support writers and their unique ability to bring people together and make sense of the human experience.
Barrymore’s initial response to the writers’ strike was to withdraw from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards as a show of solidarity. However, she later won the award for Best Host at the event, which had transitioned into a pre-taped format.
The National Book Foundation aims to elevate the visibility and importance of the book awards. Having Barrymore has the host was a significant step in that direction. David Steinberger, the chair of the National Book Foundation’s board of directors, praised both Barrymore and Oprah Winfrey for their belief in the power of books.
