Known Long List of the Literature Year Award; the Lifetime Award will be given to translator Jānis Krastiņš
Latvian publishers have submitted 156 works for the Literature Year Award, with the lifetime achievement award going to translator Jānis Krastiņš.
The Literature Year Award in Latvia has received a total of 156 submissions from 31 publishers, all of which were published in 2025. This demonstrates a vibrant literary scene with a wide variety of works being recognized and celebrated. The long list of nominated books can be explored for those interested in contemporary Latvian literature.
Among the notable announcements, the expert committee decided to honor translator Jānis Krastiņš with a lifetime achievement award for his significant contributions to Latvian literature. Though relatively lesser-known compared to other prominent Latvian translators, Krastiņš's work spans decades, beginning during the Awakening period, and he has seen a prolific output in the 21st century. His translations have received critical acclaim, with four nominations for the Literature Year Award for the best translation.
Krastiņš's recognition comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in historical narratives and a reassessment of Latvia's literary past. His contributions are pivotal not only in translating works but also in popularizing Latvia's cultural identity abroad, as evidenced by his receipt of the 'Gracias agit' award from the Czech Foreign Ministry for promoting Latvia's name internationally. This acknowledgment signifies the important role of translators in shaping and sharing literature beyond national borders.