All set for the first Openbank Literary Awards by Vanity Fair

02/08/2023

Openbank, the 100% digital bank of the Santander Group, and Vanity Fair Spain are set to hold the first edition of the Openbank Literary Awards by Vanity Fair. These awards aim to become a prestigious event on the Spanish literary calendar, recognising the talent and contribution of several figures in different areas in the world of publishing.

The first edition of these awards, which is to be held on 7 March at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Hotel in Madrid, will recognise books published in 2022, as well as a range of literary and publishing figures. The judges have selected three finalists in each of the following eight categories: Best Fiction in the Spanish Language, Best Non-fiction in the Spanish Language, Best International Fiction, Best International Nonfiction, Best Translator, Best New Author, Best Cover Design and Best Bookshop.

Furthermore, each edition will pay homage to a renowned author with an award for Best Literary Career, which this year goes to Enrique Vila-Matas.

Openbank Literary Awards by Vanity Fair

Ezequiel Szafir, the CEO of Openbank, said: “We are launching these literary awards to recognise the talent and work done in the area of publishing, a sector of utmost importance for society as a whole. Over a year ago, Openbank launched the Nota al Pie Reading Club for book lovers in order to do its bit to promote literature. To date, over a thousand people have taken part in Nota al Pie activities, interviews and podcasts. The Openbank Literary Awards by Vanity Fair entail another step in our effort to support Spanish literature, and we hope the event will become a key date on the cultural calendar in Spain.”

Alberto Moreno, Head of Editorial Content of Vanity Fair, said: “We are extremely excited to embark on this venture and to create awards that recognise the best of the past year’s literary crop. We saw a gap that needed filling and we’re convinced we can make it work with all the support and goodwill we’ve received. Those of us in the world of literature really welcome these awards.”

Cash prizes totalling €55,000 will also be awarded across the eight categories, with €20,000 divided between the winners of the best Spanish-language and international fiction categories, €30,000 divided among the other category winners, and €5,000 going to the winner of the best literary career category.

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