Yann Martel, the accomplished Canadian author, is well-received by critics and readers alike. Most of Yann Martel’s Awards and Recognitions are from his novel ‘Life of Pi‘. It earned him universal recognition honors. However, the actual credit of the writer came to be known when the world turned to look at what a true gem he was. Here is a list of his awards and recognitions:
Awards
Man Booker Prize
Martel’s ‘Life of Pi‘ has been widely recognized as a groundbreaking novel, earning him the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2002. The Man Booker Prize (2002–2019), formerly known as the Booker Prize for Fiction (1969–2001) and currently as the Booker Prize, is a literary prize awarded each year for the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. ‘Life of Pi ‘is an imaginary story about a young boy stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger based on what Martel has heard. Winning the Booker Prize earned him international publicity and boosted his book sales.
Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction
The Hugh MacLennan (The Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction), established in 1988, is presented annually to an English-language Quebec fiction writer. In 2001, Martel’s celebrated novel, ‘Life of Pi‘ won the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction.
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature is given to recognise individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage. In 2003, ‘Life of Pi,’ the most beloved novel, won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Adult Fiction category.
Commonwealth Writers’ Prize
Commonwealth Writers’ Prize was established in 1987 and given in two categories – best book and best first book. They were awarded to fiction writers working in English in each of four regions: Africa, Canada and the Caribbean, Europe and South Asia, and Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. In 2011, it became the Commonwealth Book Prize and reconceptualised to award for the best first book from one overall winner among all four regions. However, after 2013 the prize was no longer awarded. as the in ‘Life of Pi‘ was the winner of the 2002 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book.
The Boeke Prize (2003)
The Boeke Prize is a South African award given only to novels written in English. It is loosely modelled on the British Booker Prize. Martel’s ‘Life of Pi‘, after receiving the Man Booker Prize in 2002, received Boeke Prize also in 2003.
Deutscher Bücherpreis
Deutscher Buchpreis, the German Book Prize, is awarded annually, in October, by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association (Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels) to the best new German-language novel of the year. Martel has the credit of bagging it for his novel ‘Life of Pi‘ in 2004.
Journey Prize
Martel’s title story with the same name from his collection, ‘The Facts behind the Helsinki Roccamatios’, won the 1991 Journey Prize. It captures the intense human tragedy as a young man watches his friend Paul die of AIDS. The two men pass the time on the ward by inventing stories about the fictional Roccamatio family. Though written in a light and careful elegance, the pain resonates even after the story ends.
Honours
Companion of the Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System and recognises outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order recognises people in all sectors of Canadian society. Yann Martel was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2021, considering his overall population and contribution to the field of literature.
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was given to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents who made significant contributions to/within Canada or for an outstanding achievement abroad that has brought great credit to Canada. Martel received Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
Recognitions
New York Times Bestseller list
Yann Martel’s books have repeatedly decorated the New York Times Bestseller list for a decade. Notably, his works ‘Life of Pi‘ (2001), Beatrice and Virgil (2010), and High Mountains of Portugal (2016) have the credit of climbing the covetous New York Times Best Seller list. His works enjoyed the attention of readers of fiction and his fans.
Other Recognitions
Martel’s ‘Life of Pi‘ not only secured him the most significant awards and honours but was also recognised by various awarding bodies at various times at various places. Some of the notable are:
- Featured as the Best Book of 2001 by A Quill & Quire
- Longlisted for The 2012 International Dublin Literary Award
- No. 1 Bestseller in The Toronto Star – Life of Pi
- National No. 1 Bestseller in Maclean’s – Life of Pi
- Boston Globe Bestseller[73] – Life of Pi
- L.A. Times Bestseller[74] – Life of Pi
- Minneapolis Star Tribune Bestseller – Life of Pi
- Nominated for Governor General’s Literary Award
- Featured on CBC’s Canada Reads series in 2003.
FAQs
Were Yann Martel’s books concerted into a film?
Yann Martel’s 2002 Booker Prize-winning novel ‘Life of Pi‘ was adapted by Ang Lee with the same name for cinema. Not just that, it has won four Oscars. In addition, it was adapted for the stage by Lolita Chakrabarti and secured 5 Olivier Awards.
What was Yann Martel’s reaction to winning the Man Booker Prize?
Yann Martel was overjoyed to win the Man Booker Prize for ‘Life of Pi‘ In an interview, he said, “I’m happy, I’m grateful, and I’m a little overwhelmed. This is such a prestigious prize, and being in such a company is wonderful.” He also thanked his publishers and readers for their support.
How has winning awards affected Yann Martel’s career?
Winning awards has brought Yann Martel’s writing to a broader audience and helped establish him as a respected and influential writer. It has also allowed him to continue to write and publish books and travel and speak at literary events around the world. It also boosted the sale of his works and his book being translated into many languages.
Has Yann Martel won any awards for his non-fiction writing?
Martel’s ‘Life of Pi‘ was a head-turner, drawing him publicity and recognition as a fiction writer. However, Martel’s achievements continue beyond there. He has won awards for his non-fiction writing as well. “What is Stephen Harper Reading?” won the Canadian Authors Association Award for Non-Fiction in 2009.
What was in the note Martel received from the former President of America?
Yann Martel received a personal note from President Obama. In his note, praising the novel ‘Life of Pi.’ he stated that he and his daughter love the novel and that their preference for the animal version is an elegant proof of God and the power of storytelling.
