**Mia Couto Wins FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages 2024**
**Guadalajara, Jalisco -** Portuguese-language author Mia Couto, born António Emílio Leite Couto in Beira, Mozambique, in 1955, has been awarded the FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages 2024. The jury praised his linguistic innovation and his ability to weave together chronicles, short stories, and novels into a cohesive and compelling body of work. Couto’s contributions highlight the interconnectedness of Portuguese-speaking countries and draw attention to African historical, cultural, and geopolitical narratives.
The jury, consisting of literary experts from across the globe, recognized Couto for prompting a reexamination of the bonds within the Lusophone community and encouraging a deeper understanding of the African continent and its global relations. The panel included members Carlos Reis from Portugal, Graciela Montaldo from Argentina, Jerónimo Pizarro from Colombia, Juan Luis Cebrián from Spain, Lucía Melgar from Mexico, Oana Fotache Dubălaru from Romania, and Vittoria Borsò from Germany.
This prestigious prize received 58 nominations representing 49 authors from 20 different countries. Couto’s influential novels include “Sleepwalking Land,” “The Last Flight of the Flamingo,” “Confession of the Lioness,” and “Woman of the Ashes.” He is also known for his short story collections “Voices Made Night” and “Every Man is a Race.” His numerous accolades include the Portugal National Literature Prize (1993), Mozambique National Literature Prize (1995), Camões Prize (2013), and Neustadt International Prize for Literature (2014). He is also a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.
The FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages, established in 1991, is a joint initiative by the University of Guadalajara, the government of Jalisco, the municipalities of Guadalajara and Zapopan, and several private and public organizations. The prize, valued at 150,000 USD, will be presented during the inauguration of the FIL Guadalajara on Saturday, November 30.
**Previous Winners of the FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages:**
– 1991: Nicanor Parra
– 1992: Juan José Arreola
– 1993: Eliseo Diego
– 1994: Julio Ramón Ribeyro
– 1995: Nélida Piñón
– 1996: Augusto Monterroso
– 1997: Juan Marsé
– 1998: Olga Orozco
– 1999: Sergio Pitol
– 2000: Juan Gelman
– 2001: Juan García Ponce
– 2002: Cintio Vitier
– 2003: Rubem Fonseca
– 2004: Juan Goytisolo
– 2005: Tomás Segovia
– 2006: Carlos Monsiváis
– 2007: Fernando del Paso
– 2008: António Lobo Antunes
– 2009: Rafael Cadenas
– 2010: Margo Glantz
– 2011: Fernando Vallejo
– 2012: Alfredo Bryce Echenique
– 2013: Yves Bonnefoy
– 2014: Claudio Magris
– 2015: Enrique Vila-Matas
– 2016: Norman Manea
– 2017: Emmanuel Carrère
– 2018: Ida Vitale
– 2019: David Huerta
– 2020: Lídia Jorge
– 2021: Diamela Eltit
– 2022: Mircea Cărtărescu
– 2023: Coral Bracho
– 2024: Mia Couto
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**Secondary Article: Recent Developments at FIL Guadalajara**
**Spain Presents Program for FIL Guadalajara 2024**
On July 10, 2024, Spain unveiled its program for the FIL Guadalajara 2024, spotlighting a diversity of artistic and cultural expressions. This initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster mutual understanding through literature, art exhibitions, and performances that reflect Spain’s rich cultural heritage.
**Ruperta Bautista Wins Indigenous Literature Prize**
Ruperta Bautista has been honored with the 2024 Indigenous Literatures of the Americas Prize, announced on August 27, 2024. Her work has been recognized for its profound impact on preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages and cultural narratives.
**Statue Unveiled Honoring Raúl Padilla**
On May 4, 2024, a statue was inaugurated in Guadalajara to commemorate Raúl Padilla, a key figure in the development of FIL Guadalajara and a dedicated advocate for cultural promotion and education in Mexico.
**Passing of Paul Auster**
Literary circles around the world mourned the loss of American author Paul Auster, who passed away on April 30, 2024. His contributions to literature with works like “The New York Trilogy” have left a lasting legacy in contemporary fiction.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates and in-depth coverage of these stories.