Five renowned writers are the finalists competing for this prestigious award: Argentine Samanta Schweblin, Colombian Héctor Abad Faciolince, Chilean Nona Fernández, and Spaniards Marcos Giralt Torrente and Enrique Vila-Matas. The prize, which matches the monetary value of the Planeta Prize, will also award 30,000 euros to each finalist.
The AENA Prize aims to establish itself as a benchmark in Hispano-American literature, comparable to awards such as the French Goncourt or the English Booker Prize. The jury, chaired by Rosa Montero, comprises prominent literary figures including Sergio Vila-Sanjuán, Leila Guerriero, and Pilar Adón, among others. The Gabo Foundation and the Vargas Llosa Chair are collaborating on this initiative.
This new recognition seeks to promote impartiality and transparency by awarding works already published in 2025 in Spanish or any of the co-official languages of Spain, provided they are translated into Spanish. This excludes unpublished works, pseudonyms, or specific commissions for the competition.
“"For me, it was the confirmation that it was a serious and literary award."
The finalists have expressed their satisfaction with the selection. Marcos Giralt Torrente admitted he would have been frustrated not to be among the chosen, while Samanta Schweblin highlighted the pride of the nomination. Enrique Vila-Matas emphasized the importance of the award in reaching new readers, considering that increased visibility is the true value of such accolades.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the prize's monetary value, Nona Fernández defended the importance of promoting culture and thought, while Marcos Giralt suggested that the one million euros serves to attract attention to the award. The finalist works are El buen mal by Samanta Schweblin, Ahora y en la hora by Héctor Abad Faciolince, Marciano by Nona Fernández, Los ilusionistas by Marcos Giralt, and Canon de cámara oscura by Enrique Vila-Matas.
