Peruvian poet Mario Montalbetti wins José Donoso Ibero-American Letters Prize

Mario Montalbetti has joined a notable group of writers after winning the 2025 José Donoso Ibero-American Letters Prize, awarded annually by Chile’s University of Talca.

An international jury reached a unanimous decision, citing the “quality, originality and consistency” of his literary work, as well as the significance of his intellectual production in Ibero-American literature and culture. The jury also highlighted his contribution to contemporary literature and the national and international recognition his work has received.

“I am really very happy to be part of this very notable list of recipients of this prize,” Montalbetti said after the decision. He thanked the University of Talca and the committee, along with the “also emotional” hospitality of Chilean friends, intellectuals and poets. Without that hospitality, he said, reaching this point would have been almost impossible.

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I am really very happy to be part of this very notable list of recipients of this prize.

Born in Lima in 1953, Montalbetti is a poet, linguist, essayist and professor in the Academic Department of Humanities at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. He began publishing poetry early, releasing his first book, Perro Negro, 31 poemas, in 1978. His later poetry includes Fin Desierto, Llantos Elíseos, Cinco segundos de horizonte, Ocho cuartetas contra el caballo de paso peruano and the collected volume Lejos de mí decirles.

His work is particularly known for exploring language as poetic material. He has also written academic articles on formal grammar and taken part in projects connected with literature, photography, philosophy and contemporary reflection on poetry. Previous recipients of the prize include Isabel Allende, Javier Marías, Juan Villoro, Pedro Lemebel, Raúl Zurita, Cristina Peri Rossi, Cristina Rivera Garza, Samanta Schweblin, Mariana Enríquez and Carmen Ollé. The distinction was created in 2001 to recognize leading figures in Ibero-American intellectual production.

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also emotional