Portuguese President Recognises Contribution of Authors with Special Award

The Portuguese authors society SPAutores has been appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of Freedom by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The president of the society, Writers & Directors Worldwide executive committee member José Jorge Letria, accepted this award on behalf of SPA at a formal event in Belém Palace, the official residence of Portugal’s president since 1910.

The President of the Republic highlighted the role played by SPA in Portuguese cultural life, emphasising how the country's greatest authors have been, and continue to be members of the society. He also referenced the role that they have had in demonstrating the value of freedom as part of the creative act itself.

At the end of the ceremony Mr Letria was given the necklace of the Order of Liberty which will be  displayed in the SPA headquarters building for the benefit of all their members and the wider author community. A video of the presentation is available here.

We offer our warmest congratulations to José Jorge and all of the SPA team for this extremely well-deserved honour.