This Friday, October 27, the city of Oviedo is the center of attention in the world of culture and knowledge, with the delivery of the prestigious PPrincess of Asturias awards 2024. He Campoamor Theateras is tradition, hosts the ceremony with the presence of the Spanish royal family. This year, a significant moment marks the celebration: Princess Eleanor, who recently came of age, gives her first speech on this special occasion.
The gala, which can be followed live from 6:30 p.m. through RTVE and its digital platforms, recognizes excellence in the arts, sports, literature, scientific and technical research, social sciences, communication, cooperation and harmony.
The winners in each category
Artist: Joan Manuel Serrat
The singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat, with a career that spans more than six decades, is recognized in this edition for his enormous contribution to music in the Spanish and Catalan language. Serrat, who began his career as a member of the group Els Setze Jutges, has been a pioneer in bringing the poetry of authors such as Antonio Machado and Federico García Lorca to the musical field. Among other awards, he has received the Latin Grammy for Person of the Year and the Odeón de Honor Award.
With his unique style, he has inspired generations and has firmly defended human rights, a commitment that is once again recognized with this award.
Sports: Carolina Marín
Carolina Marín, originally from Huelva, is an unstoppable force in the world of badminton and one of the most prominent figures in Spanish sport. As a three-time world champion and seven-time European champion, she has broken barriers by becoming the first non-Asian player to win an Olympic gold medal in this discipline. Her effort and perseverance have contributed to popularizing badminton in Spain and have consolidated her as an undisputed leader in women’s sports. Carolina Marín has been awarded numerous times, including the Medal of Andalusia and the Royal Order of Sports Merit.
Scientific and technical research: Daniel J. Drucker, Jeffrey M. Friedman, Joel F. Habener, Jens Juul Holst and Svetlana Mojsov
Five scientists have been honored for their pioneering research in the field of endocrinology and metabolism. Daniel J. Drucker, Jeffrey M. Friedman, Joel F. Habener, Jens Juul Holst and Svetlana Mojsov have transformed the treatment of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by studying key hormones such as GLP-1. Their discoveries have opened new therapeutic routes that improve the quality of life of millions of people around the world. The winners, from prestigious international institutions, have been awarded important scientific distinctions, consolidating themselves as leaders in the field of biomedicine.
Lyrics: Ana Blandiana
The Romanian poet Ana Blandiana is awarded for her work deeply committed to freedom and human dignity. For years, his poems served as a form of resistance against Romania’s communist regime, reflecting the struggles and hopes of his people. Blandiana, a renowned figure in European literature, is a member of various literary academies and has contributed to the development of a freer and more open Romanian society. His poetry is an invitation to introspection and the search for truth in difficult times.
Communication and Humanities: Marjane Satrapi
The cartoonist and film director Marjane Satrapi, born in Iran, is awarded for her impressive work in the field of graphic novels, where her work Persepolis stands out as an autobiographical story about her life in post-revolutionary Iran. Satrapi has managed to unite art and social criticism, providing a unique vision on topics such as feminism, cultural identity and freedom. With a career that spans both drawing and film, he has shown that visual communication can be a powerful tool for social change.
Social Sciences: Michael Ignatieff
Canadian academic and writer Michael Ignatieff is awarded for his defense of human rights and his work as a thinker in the field of global ethics.
His work explores themes such as moral conflict, nationalism and coexistence in a diverse and globalized world. In addition to his prolific career as an essayist, Ignatieff has been the recipient of several international awards and has an outstanding career as a professor at prestigious universities.
Concordia: Magnum Photos
The photojournalism agency Magnum Photos, founded in 1947, is recognized for its commitment to documenting the social and political reality of our time. With world-renowned photographers, this cooperative has captured iconic images that not only document history, but transform it. From the conflict in Ukraine to key moments in Spanish history, Magnum’s work reflects human dignity in its many facets.
International Cooperation: OEI
The Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) has been recognized for its commitment to cooperation and improvement of educational quality in Ibero-America. With projects in fields such as science and culture, the OEI facilitates access to inclusive and equitable education, promoting sustainable development in the region.
This event, which each year celebrates excellence and effort in various disciplines, will end with the presentation of the Exemplary Town of Asturias Award to the town of Sotres, a tribute to the wealth and traditions of the region. The Princess of Asturias Awards continue to be, year after year, an emblem of culture and progress in the Ibero-American and global spheres.
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