Education and Science, Forum, Good for Business, Latvia

Inga Abele.

Uldis Berzins was singled out for Best Book of Poems for his "Izsupojusies. Biblioteka ostmala", published by "Neputns", marking his 70th birthday. Known for innovative ideas, this book is no exception as – in tandem with artist Juris Petraskevics, Berzins has devised a "poetry newspaper".

In the category: Best Translation", the award went to Dace Meiere for her translation from the Italian of "Maledetti toscani"/"Those Cursed Tuscans" (1956), published by "Neputns") by Curzio Malaparte.

For Most Promising Debut, the jury viewed Katrina Rudzite and her book of poems ("Saulesizpludums"/"Sunspill", published by "Literaturas kombains") as worthy of the top honor.

Among those awarded a special prize – in this case, for her "contribution to literature sciences", specifically her in-depth research into the contact – official and otherwise, between Latvian writers in Latvia and those in exile during the Soviet period. To note that "official" used here pertains to mutual visits abroad and Latvia strained by the obligatory involvement of the State Security Committee, or KGB. A significant achievement by Eva Eglaja-Kristsone: "Dzelzsgriezeji. Latvijas un Rietumu trimdas rakstnieku kontakti", hence the Literature Award.