In a move bridging Hollywood glamour and literary prestige, Sarah Jessica Parker has been announced as a judge for the 2024 International Booker Prize. The Sex and the City star, a self-professed bibliophile, will help select the year's finest translated work of fiction.
The appointment marks a significant moment for the prestigious award, known for celebrating literature from around the globe. Parker's role extends beyond mere judging; she has personally funded a new annual prize of £2,500 for each shortlisted book's translator, highlighting the crucial, often overlooked, art of translation.
A Passion for Literature Takes Centre Stage
Parker is no stranger to the literary world. Her own publishing imprint, SJP Lit, launched in partnership with Zando Projects, demonstrates a deep commitment to championing authors. Her public book recommendations and evident passion for reading have made her a influential figure among book lovers.
"It's a thrill and a true honour," Parker stated, expressing her enthusiasm for the role. She emphasised her desire to be "a thoughtful, careful, and devoted reader" of the submitted works, promising to approach the task with the seriousness it deserves.
Broadening the Booker's Appeal
The inclusion of a high-profile celebrity like Parker is seen by some as a strategic move to broaden the appeal of literary fiction and attract a wider audience to translated works. Fiammetta Rocco, administrator of the International Booker Prize, praised Parker's "exquisite and adventurous taste" and her genuine dedication to literature.
This decision, however, has ignited a familiar debate within literary circles. While many welcome the increased visibility a star of Parker's calibre brings, others question the trend of celebrity involvement in traditionally author- and critic-led awards.
The judging panel, which also includes award-winning writer Eleanor Catton and lecturer Aaron Robertson, will begin reviewing submissions for the £50,000 prize, to be split equally between the author and translator, in the coming months. The winner will be announced in London next spring, with all eyes on how Parker's unique perspective will shape the outcome.
