Peruvian writer Carmen Ollé has been awarded the 2025 José Donoso Ibero-American Literature Prize, according to reports from elmostrador.cl. The award ceremony took place at the University of Talca's Lircay Campus in Chile.
The author received a medal and a $50,000 prize, funded by Banco Santander. An international jury selected the poet unanimously for this year's edition of the competition.
During the event, Ollé expressed her deep emotion regarding the recognition of her life's work. “It means so much; it is a great surprise for me. At 78 years old, after a long life, reaching a moment where so many of my works are being read brings me great joy,” the writer said.
Carlos Torres Fuchslocher, Rector of the University of Talca, highlighted the significance of the author's work. He noted that since the 1980s, her writings have challenged conventions, paving the way for other writers.
Legacy and new publication
Claire Mercier, the prize coordinator, emphasized the author's importance to Latin American poetry. She noted that works such as the 1981 publicationNoches de Adrenalinawere pivotal for women's poetry, as they addressed themes of the body and everyday life.
The academic also pointed out that Ollé's work continues to resonate strongly today in relation to feminism and non-normative perspectives.
In conjunction with the awards ceremony, Marcela Albornoz Dachelet, the university's Director of Cultural-Artistic Extension, announced the upcoming publication of a new book by the winner. The work, titledHalcones en el Parque, will be released as part of the José Donoso Prize Collection under the university's publishing imprint.
Born in Lima in 1947, Carmen Ollé is a central figure in Peruvian poetry. She was a member of the avant-garde collectiveHora Zero, a movement that revolutionized the country's poetic scene during the 1970s.
The José Donoso Prize is awarded annually to recognize Ibero-American writers across genres such as poetry, narrative, drama, and essay. Since 2001, this distinction has been supported by Banco Santander.