Country Russian Federation Reward(s) 1.8 million RUB | Presented by Samsung Group First awarded 2003 | |
Awarded for the best traditional-style novel in three nomination categories: “Contemporary Classic,” “21st Century” and “Childhood, Boyhood, Youth” | ||
The Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award is an annual all-Russian literary award that was founded in 2003 by the Leo Tolstoy Museum Estate and Samsung Electronics. The award is presented for the best traditional-style novel written in Russian.
The awards, in spirit of Leo Tolstoy, are in the following categories:
A jury that consists of famous writers, critics and literature experts select authors whose works preserve the traditions of classic literature and, at the same time, represent the relevant trends of modern Russian literature.
In 2012 (the award's 10-year anniversary), another nomination category was added to the award – “Childhood, Boyhood, Youth.” named after Leo Tolstoy's semi-autobiographical trilogy of novels.
The award’s fund has doubled since 2010. Currently, it amounts to 1.8 million RUB. The winner of the “21st Century” award receives 750,00 rubles, while the “Contemporary Classic” laureate receives 900,000 rubles. The fund for the award finalists that are included in the short list amounts to 150,000 rubles.
Background
The Yasnaya Polyana literary award maintains classical literature traditions by commemorating the authors of famous 20th-century works and also follows relevant tendencies of contemporary literary traditions by noting talented 20th-century writers. These two aspects allow the award to remain balanced and harmonious.
Yasnaya Polyana jury members include famous Russian writers, literary critics and public figures: