NoirCon began in Philadelphia, PA in 2007 as GoodisCon, an event dedicated to the life and work of Philly’s hometown noir hero, David Goodis. In 2008, under the tutelage of its co-founders, Louis Boxer and Deen Kogan, the event transformed into NoirCon. While still retaining its focus on Goodis, NoirCon has continually expanded its horizons to encompass not only literature, but also cinema, poetry, theater, photography, dance, performance art, visual art, music, and beyond.
What started as just a roomful of people united by their love of Goodis has grown into a multi-faceted arts institution. NoirCon’s biennial conference is only the start of its many endeavors, which also include publishing projects, cultural and historical tours, preservation initiatives, support for noir-related art and artists, and plans for much more in the years to come.
At each NoirCon, we also celebrate individuals who have made a difference in noir our unique awards: The David L. Goodis Award, The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence, and The Anne Friedberg Award for Contributions to Noir and Its Preservation.
NoirCon also recognizes its responsibility to those less fortunate. At each NoirCon, we contribute to organizations that help those in need, such as the Awassa Children’s Project (helping Ethiopian orphans battle AIDS) and Project HOME (providing housing and services to the homeless in Philadelphia).
NoirCon Honorees
The David L. Goodis Award: Walter Mosley (author)
The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence: Max Rudin (publisher, The Library of America)
The Anne Friedberg Award for Contributions to Noir and Its Preservation: Dana Polan (author and professor)
The David L. Goodis Award: Aurélien Masson (editorial director, Série Noire, Éditions Gallimard)
The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence: Charles Ardai (author and publisher, Hard Case Crime) and Stona Fitch (author and publisher, Concord Free Press)
The Anne Friedberg Award for Contributions to Noir and Its Preservation: Barry Gifford (author, screenwriter, and publisher, Black Lizard)
The David L. Goodis Award: Fuminori Nakamura (author)
The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence: Bronwen Hruska (publisher, Soho Press)
The Anne Friedberg Award for Contributions to Noir and Its Preservation: Eddie Muller (author; publisher, Black Pool Productions; and founder and president, Film Noir Foundation)
The David L. Goodis Award: Lawrence Block (author)
The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence: Otto Penzler (author, historian, and publisher, The Mysterious Press)
The David L. Goodis Award: George Pelecanos (author)
The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence: Johnny Temple (publisher and editor, Akashic Books)
The David L. Goodis Award: Ken Bruen (author)
The Jay and Deen Kogan Award for Excellence: Dennis McMillan (publisher, Dennis McMillan Publications)