Argentine Writer and Journalist Jorge Fernández Díaz Wins Prestigious Nadal Prize
Veteran journalist and novelist Jorge Fernández Díaz (b. 1960, Buenos Aires) has been crowned the winner of the 81st Nadal Prize for his latest novel. This prestigious literary award was announced on Monday night, recognizing Fernández Díaz’s notable contribution to the genres of crime and mystery writing.
Before the Nadal announcement, the 57th Josep Pla Prose Award in Catalan was awarded to scientist and educator David Bueno, writing under the pseudonym ‘Carro de Foc’ for his captivating essay ‘L’art de ser humans’ (The Art of Being Human).раў
The esteemed Nadal Prize was won by Fernández Díaz under the alias Daniel Ocampo. The winning novel, provisionally titled ‘Marcial’, is expected to captivate readers with its intricate plot and well-crafted characters.
Fernández Díaz, born in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, has been writing fiction since 1972 and professionally practicing journalism since 1981. He launched Retruco, an alternative magazine against Argentina‘s military dictatorship, while studying at the Instituto Grafotécnico’s School of Journalism. Throughout his career, Fernández Díaz has effortlessly balanced his twin passions for writing and journalism.
As a journalist, Fernández Díaz has produced groundbreaking investigations for publications such as Qué and El Periodista. He served as chief editor of El Diario de Neuquén, secretary of El Cronista, and held subeditorial roles at notable magazines like Gente, Perfil, and Noticias. Since 2002, he has been a key figure at La Nación, currently serving as its secretary of redacción, and has been at the helm of its cultural magazine, ADN Cultura, since 2007. Additionally, Fernández Díaz contributes regularly to Zendalibros and the Spanish newspaper ABC’s cultural supplements.
Fernández Díaz’s foray into fiction began in 1985 with ‘El asesinato del wing izquierdo’, a crime novel that set the stage for his 1990s works, including ‘El Dilema de los próceres’, a thrilling collaboration between Sherlock Holmes and Jorge Luis Borges. In non-fiction, Fernández Díaz penned the biography ‘El hombre que se inventó a sí mismo’ (1993) and the Agent Remil trilogy – comprising ‘El puñal’ (2014), ‘La herida’ (2017), and ‘La traición’ (2021).
The Government of Spain acknowledged Fernández Díaz’s talent in 2003 by bestowing him the Medal of the Hispanidad for his novel ‘Mamá’ (2001), an intimate memoir of his Asturian mother’s journey to Argentina. He continued his exploration of personal and generational narratives in ‘Fernández’ (2006) and ‘La segunda vida de las flores’ (2009). His series on José de San Martín’s exploits in the 2008 Battle of Bailén led to both an award from the Asociación de Entidades Periodísticas Argentinas and the historical novel ‘La logia de Cádiz’.
Fernández Díaz’s literary prowess extends to short stories and essays, with notable works including ‘Corazones desatados’ (2007), ‘La hermandad del honor’ (2010), ‘Las mujeres más solas del mundo’ (2012), and ‘Una historia argentina en tiempo real’ (2021).
This latest Nadal Prize win marks a significant milestone for Jorge Fernández Díaz, celebrating his outstanding contribution to Argentine literature and beyond.