National Book Awards Drops Drew Barrymore As Host Over Strike Row

Drew Barrymore has been dropped as host of the US National Book Awards after controversy about her TV show returning during the ongoing Hollywood strike.

Earlier this week, the talk show host and actress said the programme’s return would be in line with strike rules.

But the show’s writers were among those who picketed the studio in New York after it resumed filming.

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On Tuesday, the National Book Foundation said it had rescinded her invitation to host its ceremony.

“The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture,” it said 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“In light of the announcement that The Drew Barrymore Show will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms Barrymore’s invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.”

National Book Foundation bosses had previously lauded her work championing books on her show.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since the beginning of May over concerns about pay, conditions and the use of AI, with actors joining the writers in July.