What Is 1981 Governor General's Awards

Overview

The 1981 Governor General's Awards celebrated the most distinguished works of Canadian literature published during the preceding year. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, these awards are among the country's most prestigious literary honors, recognizing excellence in both English and French language writing.

Each year, the awards highlight emerging and established Canadian voices across multiple genres. The 1981 edition was particularly notable for its strong roster of winners, many of whom became literary icons in later decades.

• Fourteen categories were awarded in 1981, including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children's Literature, reflecting the breadth of Canadian literary output.
• Winners were selected by independent juries composed of writers, critics, and academics, ensuring impartiality and expert judgment in the evaluation process.
• English and French language works were judged separately, with distinct winners in each linguistic stream to honor Canada’s bilingual literary culture.
• Michael Ondaatje won the Fiction award for his novel In the Skin of a Lion, a lyrical narrative set in 1920s Toronto that later gained international acclaim.
• Margaret Atwood received the Poetry award for True Stories, a collection that combined surreal imagery with sharp social commentary on violence and media.

How It Works

The Governor General's Awards follow a rigorous annual cycle of submission, jury review, and public recognition, designed to uphold high standards of literary merit and national representation.

• Term: The awards recognize books published in Canada between January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. For the 1981 awards, eligible works were released in 1980 or early 1981.
• Jury Selection: Each category is evaluated by a panel of three literary experts appointed by the Canada Council, who read all submitted entries anonymously.
• Submission Process: Publishers or authors submit up to three titles per category, accompanied by entry fees and five copies of each book for judging.
• Shortlist: Juries create a shortlist of finalists, typically three to five per category, which is announced before the final winners.
• Final Decision: Winners are chosen by consensus or majority vote, with each jury having full discretion over their selections without external influence.
• Award Ceremony: The 1981 winners were honored at a formal event in Ottawa on November 25, 1981, hosted by the Governor General of Canada.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of major categories and winners from the 1981 Governor General's Awards:

The 1981 awards highlighted a surge in narrative experimentation and thematic depth across genres. While English-language winners dominated public attention, French-language recipients like Jacques Godbout in Non-Fiction also contributed significantly to the nation’s literary landscape. The diversity of genres and regional voices underscored the awards’ role in shaping Canada’s cultural identity during the early 1980s.

Why It Matters

The 1981 Governor General's Awards not only honored individual achievement but also helped define the trajectory of Canadian literature in the late 20th century. Recognition from these awards often led to increased sales, international publishing deals, and long-term critical acclaim.

• Literary Careers: Winning the award significantly boosted the visibility and credibility of authors like Michael Ondaatje, whose career advanced rapidly after 1981.
• Cultural Impact: The awards validated Canadian stories and voices at a time when national identity in the arts was actively being shaped.
• International Recognition: Books like In the Skin of a Lion went on to be studied globally, enhancing Canada’s literary reputation abroad.
• Support for Writers: The prize included a cash award and significant media coverage, providing financial and promotional support to creators.
• Educational Influence: Many winning works, including Atwood’s poetry, were later adopted into university and high school curricula across Canada.
• Historical Record: The 1981 awards serve as a cultural snapshot, reflecting the themes, styles, and concerns of Canadian society at the time.

Ultimately, the 1981 Governor General's Awards played a pivotal role in elevating Canadian literature on the world stage, celebrating works that continue to influence writers and readers today.