A Night of Stars at Lhardy
The historic Lhardy restaurant in Madrid became the glittering stage for a celebration unlike any other. On a crisp Thursday evening, the crystal gallery of the Cibeles Palace filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the rustle of pages as dozens of Planet Award laureates gathered to mark the prize’s 75th anniversary. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, reminiscent of a reunion where old friends swap stories and new faces dream of future triumphs.
Why the Planet Award Matters
For three‑quarters of a century, the Planet Prize has done more than honor a single manuscript; it has shaped literary careers and nurtured a loyal readership. Winners often describe the moment as stepping through a looking glass—suddenly thrust into a world where creativity meets celebration. The award’s promise is simple yet powerful: it binds authors to their readers, encouraging a lifelong commitment to storytelling.
A Gala of Galácticos
The evening resembled a literary constellation. Javier Sierra, who captured the 2017 prize with El fuego invisible, summed up the feeling by saying his search for the Grail led him straight to the Planet itself. Nearby, Eduardo Mendoza, laureate of 2010 with Cat Fight, joked about the impossibility of entering again, while Dolores Redondo, victor in 2016, emphasized how the prize builds reader loyalty.
Other notable names graced the blue carpet: Juan del Val, Carmen Molas, Javier Cercas fresh from the RAE plenary, Juan Eslava Galán, Carmen Posadas, Luz Gabás, Santiago Posteguillo, Fernando Schwartz, Paloma Sánchez‑Garnica, Eva García Sáenz de Urturi, and Lorenzo Silva. Each brought a unique voice, yet all shared the common thread of having been touched by the Planet’s magic.
Honoring the Finalists
While the spotlight shone on winners, the organizers made sure finalists felt seen too. For the first time, those who reached the shortlist without claiming the statuette received a symbolic token—an acknowledgement meant to adorn their shelves and celebrate their near‑victory. Names such as Carmen Rigalt, Nativel Preciado, Salvador Compán, María de la Pau Janer, Boris Izaguirre, Emilio Calderón, Carmen Amoraga, Mara Torres, Pilar Eyre, Marcos Chicot, Sandra Barneda, Beatriz Serrano, and Ángela Banzas walked the stage, receiving applause for their dedication and talent.
A Look Back and Forward
President José Crehueras of the publishing group took a moment to reflect on the award’s origins. He recalled how founder José Manuel Lara envisioned not only a publishing venture but also a heartfelt gift for his wife. Crehueras highlighted the human side of the prize, noting the 30,000 manuscripts submitted over the decades and mourning the recent loss of longtime juror José Manuel Blecua.
He also reminded everyone that the winner’s name will be revealed, as tradition dictates, on October 15—Saint Teresa’s Day—keeping a ritual that has endured since the award’s inception.
The Power of Reading
Beyond glitz and glamour, the Planet Prize remains a champion of literacy. Crehueras stressed that promoting reading builds a better society, a belief that drives the award’s mission to disseminate books and inspire new generations of readers. The celebration served as a vivid reminder that every page turned is a step toward a more enlightened world.
Conclusion
The 75th‑anniversary gathering at Lhardy was more than a party; it was a living testament to the Planet Award’s enduring influence. From jubilant winners to hopeful finalists, from cultural leaders to everyday readers, the event showcased how literature can unite people across ages and backgrounds. As the countdown to October 15 continues, the literary world waits with bated breath for the name that will join this illustrious lineage—knowing that, whoever it is, will carry forward a legacy of storytelling, commitment, and shared joy.
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Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es