Europe’s multi-cultural landscape offers a wealth of literary awards recognizing the finest achievements in contemporary literature across multiple genres. Browse awards here.
The Balassi Memorial Sword is an award for European literature since 1997. The sword is presented to an outstanding Hungarian poet and to a foreign poet translating Hungarian literature, including the works of the Hungarian poet Bálint Balassi. Since 2008 the swords are blessed in a a Balassi mass by a bishop. In addition to the weapon the winners receive a diploma, a limited-edition porcelain statue from the famous Herend manufacture, and a bottle of wine
The Janus Pannonius Grand Prize for Poetry is given by PEN Hungary and funded by the Hungarian government. It includes a prize money of 50,000 EUR. The award is named in honor of Hungarian poet Janus Pannonius, who was a prominent figure in European humanism and Renaissance literature. There are also two translation prizes, each awarded with 3,000 EUR.
The Beautiful Book Prize is given to an Hungarian author and his or her work. It is a part of the Book Week and endowed with 200,000 HUF. The winners also get a certificate of recognition. This annual award recognizes books with outstanding artistic and aesthetic elements, including typography, layout, illustration, and overall design. It encourages publishers, designers, and artists to create visually appealing and high-quality books that contribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of Hungary.
The Attila József Prize is a prestigious literary prize in Hungary. It is named after Attila József, one of Hungary’s most renowned and influential poets of the 20th century. It is presented annually to contemporary Hungarian poets and writers in recognition of outstanding contributions to Hungarian literature. Recipients of the Attila József Prize receive a monetary prize of 200,000 HUF along with recognition for their literary achievements.
The Sándor Bródy Prize is a Hungarian literary award founded in 1995 by Alexander Brody, a Hungarian American, in honor of his grandfather, the Hungarian writer Sándor Bródy. It is given annually for the best first novel of the year. It includes a cash prize of 350,000 HUF and offers financial assistance for the publication of the second novel of the winning author. The author can apply for the prize by submitting his book, and publishers can nominate a book in the same way.
