The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al Sheikh, announced on Saturday the launch of the "Golden Pen Award for Novels" with a total prize pool of $690,000. The award will focus on the most popular novels with the best potential for adaptation into films.
Al Sheikh stated that the Golden Pen awards for novels will be divided as follows:
- **First Place:** $100,000, with the work being adapted into a film produced by the Entertainment Authority.
- **Second Place:** $50,000, with the work being adapted into a film produced by the Entertainment Authority.
- **Third Place:** $30,000.
Additionally, the awards for various categories of novels will each be worth $25,000 for the following genres:
- Best Romance Novel.
- Best Thriller and Mystery Novel.
- Best Comedy Novel.
- Best Action Novel.
- Best Fantasy Novel.
- Best Detective Novel.
- Best Horror Novel.
- Best Historical Novel.
The best screenplay award based on a literary work will be divided among three places:
1. **First Place:** $100,000.
2. **Second Place:** $50,000.
3. **Third Place:** $30,000.
It is required for this category that the full screenplay and dialogue be submitted along with a professional 10-page treatment.
**Additional Awards:**
- Award for Best Translated Novel: $100,000.
- Audience Award: $30,000, determined by voting through a dedicated online platform.
Al Sheikh emphasized that the main judging panel will consist of 3 novelists, 3 screenwriters, and 3 producers from the Arab world, along with an additional committee for the initial screening stage. A large awards ceremony will be broadcast on television and various platforms to announce the competition winners.
He noted that participation is open to original works not based on adaptations in Arabic, for all nationalities and ages. All competition terms will be announced later, and he expressed great enthusiasm for this significant step that will benefit Arab novelists and the film industry in the region.
