Senel Paz Receives Ernest Hemingway Literary Prize

April 14, 2022

Cuban writer and filmmaker Senel Paz received the Ernest Hemingway literature prize in Spanish this Wednesday. The award was received in Havana this year, but was granted since 2020 in the U.S., although its presentation was postponed due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Paz received the trophy from the hands of the founder and president of the International Historical Literary Movement based in the U.S., Alfredo Ballester, during a ceremony held at the Finca Vigía museum, temporary residence for more than 20 years of the renowned American novelist Ernest Hemingway.

During the event, the Cuban writer also received a Certificate of Recognition from the UNESCO Culture Center and a congratulatory letter from the UNESCO Culture Center of Puerto Rico.

Additionally, the Finca Vigía museum received the Medal of Honor to Ernest Hemingway (Post Mortem) awarded by the American Literary Movement.

According to a note from the Spanish news agency EFE, the Cuban writer stated that "it is a great satisfaction to receive this prize with the name of such an important writer in the history of Cuba for his friendship and affection for the island, and who has had great influence on its literature."

The Hemingway prize was awarded to the author of the short story "The Wolf, the Forest and the New Man," on which he based his screenplay for the acclaimed Cuban film "Strawberry and Chocolate," for his trajectory in literature and the arts in general.

Senel Paz, who holds the National Film Prize 2020, was also a screenwriter for other emblematic films of Cuban cinematography such as "A Bride for David" and "Adorable Lies." Furthermore, he has been a professor and dramaturgical advisor both within and outside the island.

The writer has literary works such as "The King in the Garden" (1983), "Don't Tell Her You Love Her" (2004), or the highly acclaimed "In Heaven with Diamonds" (2007).