At an official ceremony at the Hristo G. Danov House Museum in the Old Town of Plovdiv, the National Awards for Contribution to Bulgarian Literary Culture “Hristo G. Danov” were presented today. Minister of Culture Marian Bachev also announced the laureate of the Grand Prize for Overall Contribution to National Literary Culture – Academician Vladimir Zarev.
Minister Bachev indicated that he was extremely excited to be in Plovdiv, on a day that carries strong spiritual and historical symbolism – September 22, Bulgaria’s Independence Day. “This is a day that reminds us that true independence is not just a political act, but a spiritual state, built with knowledge, culture and speech,” added Minister Bachev.
“Today, I have the honor to announce the Grand Prize for Overall Contribution to National Literary Culture – an award named after one of the most erudite and emblematic figures of Bulgaria – Hristo G. Danov. The man who, with Renaissance enthusiasm, outlined the directions of our spiritual development and created the foundations of Bulgarian book publishing, managed to unite the various spheres of art in one common goal – the unity of our people. Something that we need so much today,” said Minister Bachev.
Before that, he congratulated all the nominees and the winners of the award in the individual categories with the words: “Your contribution is invaluable, because you are the ones who turn the word into a bridge between the past and the future, between generations and the world. I thank you and the impartial jury, which with high responsibility assessed the achievements of all artists.”
Minister Bachev also thanked the partners from the Municipality of Plovdiv, together with whom the Ministry of Culture organized the presentation of the awards. “Our cooperation is clear proof that cultural causes are most successfully realized through joint efforts,” he pointed out.
“The current laureate of the Grand Prize “Hristo G. Danov is one of the most powerful voices in Bulgarian literature. An author who has been faithful to the word and the great themes of our time for more than half a century. His books have long traveled the world and have been translated into many languages, and his work inspires us to be proud of ourselves. Defined as the “Bulgarian Balzac”, the awards and recognitions he has received are a well-deserved testimony to his contribution to national and European literature. His greatest distinction is the love of readers, those who find their fears and hopes in his characters” – this is how Minister Bachev began the presentation of the Grand Prize winner.
“With “Being”, he began to build his great story – about man and time, about heritage and roots. His books about the transition – “Ruin” and “Eagle Bridge” – are not just works of art, but a diagnosis and portrait of our society in one of its most painful years. He is a writer whose books not only tell about us, but also make us ask ourselves who we are, where we are going and what we want to be. With deep gratitude and admiration, I have the honor to announce to you the name of Academician Vladimir Zarev!”, announced Minister Bachev and added that the award will be presented personally by him to Academician Zarev.
According to regulations, the jury met earlier today, immediately before the award ceremony.
In the “Bulgarian Publishing House” category, the jury honored the “Kolibri” publishing house. The award in the “Author of Bulgarian Fiction” category was awarded to Neda Antonova for the book “The Fruits Ripen at Night” (Publishing House “IK Hermes”).
The "Hristo G. Danov" award for "Translator of Fiction" went to Yordan Kosturkov for his translation of "The Old Antique Shop" by Charles Dickens (Millennium Publishing).
In the "Author in the Humanities" category, Andrey Andreev was awarded for the book "Chronicle of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra - Volumes I, II, III" (List Publishing).
The award for "Author of a Children's Edition" went to Lilia Stareva and her book "Sea Tales" (Jeanette 45 Publishing), and in the "Artist or Book Design and Layout" category, the statuette went to Yasen Gyuzelev for the book "All the Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde", authored by Oscar Wilde (Kolibri Publishing).
The media outlet "Toest" was awarded for the "#On Second Reading" section in the "Presentation of Bulgarian Books" category.
"Hristo G. Danov" for "Library Work" was awarded to Dimitar Minev, the director of the Regional National Library "Ivan Vazov" in Plovdiv,
The winners of the award were awarded a diploma, a small sculpture and a cash prize, and the nominees - a diploma. The author of the small sculpture - "Owl" is Diana-Maria Raynova.
The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Plovdiv, which are co-founders of the award for contribution to Bulgarian literary culture. The competition has been held annually since 1999. The awards are determined on a competitive basis in two rounds.
Source: Ministry of Culture
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