Sofía Balbuena, an Argentine author living in Spain, has been awarded the prestigious Ribera del Duero Prize for her collection of short stories titled 'Personaje secundario'. During the award announcement at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Balbuena recounted her surprise upon learning she had won the accolade, which recognizes literary talent in Spanish-speaking countries. The award saw participation from an impressive 1,929 original manuscripts hailing from 36 countries, a significant 73% increase from the previous year.

The Ribera del Duero Prize is regarded as the most significant award for short narrative literature in the Spanish language, bringing with it a cash prize of 25,000 euros along with publication through the esteemed editor Páginas de espuma. This recognition not only amplifies Balbuena's voice in the literary world but also underscores the importance of short narrative forms in contemporary literature, offering a platform for diverse voices to emerge and be heard.

Balbuena's book had been in progress for some time, comprising stories that shared a common spirit, illustrating her deep engagement with the craft of storytelling. Winning this accolade represents not only a personal achievement for Balbuena but also highlights the vibrant literary culture of Argentina and its ongoing contributions to the global literary landscape.