Barcelona hosted the presentation of one of Spain’s most prestigious literary awards – the Premio Planeta. This year, the winner was Joan del Val, who impressed the jury with his novel “Vera, una historia de amor.” The author received the grand prize of one million euros, making this competition the most generous literary award in the world.
The award ceremony took place at the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), despite protests and strikes that swept through the city in solidarity with Palestine. Organizers ensured that external events did not affect the festive atmosphere, and the evening proceeded without incident.
Joan del Val, widely known to the public for his participation in the popular TV show “El Hormiguero”, did not hide his surprise at winning. He dedicated the award to his family and emphasized that literature should be accessible to everyone, not just to the privileged. In his view, commercial success and artistic value can go hand in hand.
At the heart of his novel is Vera, a member of Seville’s high society who takes a bold step by ending her conventional relationship and starting a passionate affair with a young man from a humble background. The author skillfully weaves together elements of thriller, social critique, and personal drama, crafting a contemporary work written in the present tense from a third-person perspective. The novel explores themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and inner freedom.
This year, a record number of manuscripts were submitted to the competition – 1,320. To take part, del Val chose the female pseudonym Elvira Torres, which added intrigue to the selection process. He had previously received literary awards, collaborated with his wife, and published several books independently.
The award finalist was Ánxela Banzas from Santiago de Compostela. Her novel ‘Cuando el viento hable’ transports readers to remote Galicia, where a dark family saga unfolds, filled with secrets, folklore, and childhood memories. The author explores themes of survival, battling illness, and the power of imagination, paying close attention to atmosphere and detail.
The jury included well-known figures from Spanish culture, such as Luz Gabás, José Manuel Blecua, Juan Eslava Galán, Pere Gimferrer, Eva Giner, Carmen Posadas, and Belén López. Since 2021, the prize has predominantly recognized women authors, and next year will mark an anniversary for this literary event.
