Michele Mari goes beyond controversy and wins the Witch Prize 2026

The 80th edition of the Premio Strega 2026 has concluded with Michele Mari emerging victorious despite ongoing controversies surrounding his remarks about Michela Murgia. The Italian literary award, held for the first time in Rome’s Campidoglio square, saw Mari win with 190 votes, surpassing the second-place finisher, Matteo Nucci, who received 152 votes. The results were announced on the night of July 8–9, marking the culmination of a competition that had been marked by both anticipation and public debate over certain comments made during earlier stages of the process.

Mari's winning novel, I Convitati di Pietra, published by Einaudi, was selected among six finalists. The other nominees included Matteo Nucci’s Platone – Una storia d’amore (Feltrinelli), Bianca Pitzorno’s La Sonnambula (Bompiani), Alcide Pierantozzi’s Lo Sbilico (Einaudi), Teresa Ciabatti’s Donnaregina (Mondadori), and Elena Rui’s Vedove di Camus (L’Ombra). The total number of votes cast amounted to 643, representing 80.4% of the eligible voters. This outcome reaffirmed Mari’s status as the favorite from the outset, even amid the controversy that surrounded him following a heated exchange involving the late Michela Murgia.

The controversy began when Mari reportedly made remarks about Murgia’s physical appearance during a private conversation with fellow finalists. These comments were later revealed by Teresa Ciabatti, who described them as "inacceptable." The incident sparked significant backlash, particularly within the literary community, and led to calls for Mari’s exclusion from the competition. However, the judging panel maintained its stance, emphasizing that the award is based solely on the quality of the work rather than personal conduct. Despite these tensions, Mari’s novel remained the clear frontrunner throughout the voting process.

At the ceremony, Mari expressed his gratitude to readers, acknowledging both those who supported him and those who did not. He admitted that he struggled to smile, stating that it would have resulted in a grimace rather than a genuine expression. His emotional response resonated with many attendees, especially given the weight of the controversy preceding the event. Mari also took the opportunity to thank his family, inviting his wife and children to join him on stage, where he shared a heartfelt kiss with his spouse. This moment underscored the personal significance of the award for the author, who has built a career spanning nearly four decades.

M I Convitati di Pietra is a narrative centered around a group of former classmates from a Milanese high school who make a pact of blood and money. Initially a playful agreement, this bond evolves into a brutal contest of survival, driven by greed, resentment, and mystery. The novel, written by Mari in less than a month, marks his 20th book and reflects his signature style—rich in language, often archaic, and deeply rooted in themes of childhood, obsession, and existential dread. The story, which explores the dark undercurrents of human relationships, has already garnered critical acclaim and is seen as a standout entry in the competition.

The competition itself was notable for several reasons. For the first time in its history, the Premio Strega was held in Rome, specifically at the newly restored Campidoglio square, symbolizing a broader cultural shift toward making literature more accessible to the public. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Culture Minister Alessandro Giulii and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, who praised the growing interest in literature and the role of the arts in society. Gualtieri emphasized the importance of fostering critical thinking and creativity in times of uncertainty, highlighting the relevance of the award in contemporary discourse.

Matteo Nucci, who came in second, used his platform to address political issues, notably referencing the Palestinian genocide and advocating for justice. His novel, Platone – Una storia d’amore, explores philosophical themes through the lens of ancient Greece, drawing parallels between historical and modern struggles for truth and equality. Alcide Pierantozzi, who placed fourth, offered a poignant reflection on mental health, while Teresa Ciabatti, who won her third Strega, focused on the power of storytelling and its impact on societal norms.

The victory of Michele Mari, a writer known for his complex narratives and deep engagement with human psychology, signals a continued dominance of Einaudi in the Strega awards. With this win, Einaudi secures its 17th triumph in the award’s history, further narrowing the gap with Mondadori, which holds the record with 23 wins. This achievement underscores the enduring influence of Einaudi in shaping Italian literary culture.

As the dust settles on the 80th edition of the Premio Strega, the focus will likely shift to the future of the award and how it continues to evolve in response to changing social and political landscapes. The event has once again demonstrated the power of literature to provoke thought, inspire dialogue, and challenge established norms. While controversies may arise, they also serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining integrity and depth in artistic expression. For now, Michele Mari’s win stands as a testament to the resilience of literary excellence in the face of scrutiny.