Recipients the International Oscar Wilde Lifetime Achievement Award include Aleksandër Çipa, and Angela Kosta
On November 22, 2025, at 3:30 PM, on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the death of the Irish writer, playwright, journalist, essayist, and literary critic of the Victorian era, Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde (Dublin, October 16, 1854 – Paris, November 30, 1900), the 2025 Edition of the International “Oscar Wilde” Award took place at the Town Hall of Vetralla (Viterbo). During this event, prestigious awards were presented to prominent figures from various fields of literature, art, culture, science, technology, and more.
The International Oscar Wilde Lifetime Achievement Award was also given to two well-known Albanian figures: the renowned journalist and President of the Union of Journalists in Albania, Aleksandër Çipa, and translator, publisher, and international cultural promoter Angela Kosta, who was honored with this prestigious award for her poetry collection “Il Potere Dell’Apocalisse – The Power of the Apocalypse”, published in 2024 and 2025 by Kubera Book Publishing House (Rome).
The event was supported by: the European Parliament – Brussels, the European Union (Luxembourg, Brussels & Rome), the Italian Literary Critics Association, the European Youth Association, the European Institute, Fondazioni T.A.U., Spoleto Art Festival International, Fondazioni A.U.G.E., among others.
Alongside the two Albanian winners, other notable laureates were also present, such as Hungarian Countess Erika Emma Fodre, an internationally influential figure and close friend of writer László Krasznahorkai, candidate for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature. Another prominent name was Gaetano Gennai, a renowned director, actor, and communicator, currently Director of Communications for the Tuscany Region and a trusted collaborator of recently re-elected President Eugenio Giani.
Among the winners, well-known journalists such as Filippo Golia (Rai), Matteo Cotellessa (Mediaset), and Lisa Bernardini (Odg Lazio and the Foreign Press Association in Italy) were honored, along with prominent names like photographer and director Massimiliano Salvioni, and artists such as Eugenia Serafini, Silvio Natali, Stefano De Majo, and Angelo Sagnelli.
The section dedicated to published literature, reserved exclusively for candidates selected by critics and publishers, showcased a broad and diverse panel of finalists and winners, each recognized for specific categories and merits. It is impossible to mention all the protagonists who were celebrated during a wonderful day spent among distinguished figures from the worlds of culture and art.
This year’s edition confirmed the vitality and broad scope of this cultural project, which included competitions in poetry, prose, essays, and academic research.
As proof of its growing impact, the ceremony also included the Special Prizes of the magazine “La Fiera Letteraria 2025,” founded in Milan, awarded to two key figures: Vice President Sabrina Morelli and Maria Concetta Borgese, President of the Prize Jury Committee.
The competition dedicated to unpublished literature, open to the public regardless of level, brought to light many established and emerging voices.
In the poetry section, the First Prize was awarded to Floria Bufano and Silvia Gentile, while Dora Saporita and Anna Maria Ceccarelli were among the finalists. The jury also awarded a Special Prize to author Rita Scelfo.
In the category of free verse and creative writing, the First Prize went to Giuseppina Turiano, with Giovanna Gubbiotti, Adelaide Parolini, Giuliana Donzello, Gabriella Picerno and among the finalists.
A special recognition was also given to the author Umberto Giammaria.
The ceremony in Vetralla was not only an occasion to celebrate established talents and new promises, but also to highlight the richness of visual arts.
More than twenty visual artists took part in the international exhibition inspired by Wilde. The winners were awarded honorary plaques, diplomas, benefits provided by the Tau Foundation, Auge University, and the Menotti Art Festival Spoleto, along with valuable artistic gifts. Among these were works created by master Silvio Craia, dedicated to Oscar Wilde’s famous green flower, as well as pieces signed by Eugenia Serafini, Giuliano Rossi, and Igor Borozan.
The success is undoubtedly attributed to the teamwork led by President Luca Filipponi, Sabrina Morelli, Maria Concetta Borgese, Sandro Costanzi (historian and art critic), Paola Biadetti (Director of Communication), as well as the solid partnerships with many organizations, such as the Auge University led by Rector Prof. Giuseppe Catapano, the Auge Academy, and the Tau Foundation of Umberto Giammaria.
The success is undoubtedly attributed to the teamwork led by President Luca Filipponi, Sabrina Morelli, Maria Concetta Borgese, Sandro Costanzi (historian and art critic), Paola Biadetti (Director of Communication), as well as the well-established partnerships with many organizations such as Auge University under Rector Prof. Giuseppe Catapano, the Auge Academy, and the Tau Foundation of Umberto Giammaria.
In his speech, Prof. Luca Filipponi said: “An edition of extraordinary success and significant changes; we are now working to soon put into service the International Study Center ‘Oscar Wilde’ to honor this great author and artist on the 125th anniversary of his death.”
Originally born as a literary competition, this prize has gradually transformed into a broad cultural project: a journey aimed at creating a true International Study Center dedicated to Oscar Wilde, with headquarters and collaborations between the cities of Spoleto, Florence, and other European partnerships.
The 2025 edition was enriched with exhibitions, meetings, and an interdisciplinary dialogue among poetry, theater, art, and studies.
Ten finalists were selected from over thirty candidates in the academic-scientific section.
An important award outside the competition was also given to the Mayor of Vetralla, Sandrino Aquilani, who is also a poet and writer, for his ongoing commitment to cultural promotion and his activity in artistic and social outreach, capable of involving citizens, youth, and various cultural associations. His participation in the “Oscar Wilde” Prize highlights the value of figures who build culture and community every day.
“Hosting the International Oscar Wilde Prize is an important opportunity for Vetralla: a moment that values its historical and civic heritage and positions it within a network of international cultural initiatives. This event strengthens the image of a city that knows how to welcome, promote, and nurture contemporary culture,” said Sandrino Aquilani in his speech.
At the end of the ceremony, those present exchanged warm greetings among themselves, giving the atmosphere a cozy feeling on that cold winter afternoon.
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Received from Angela Kosta
