Roddy Doyle will chair the judging panel for the prestigious Booker Prize 2025, per rte.ie. The acclaimed Irish author, the first previous Booker Prize winner to lead the judging process, brings decades of literary expertise to this year’s selection.
The star-studded judging panel reads like a who’s who of contemporary literature and entertainment. Joining Doyle are Booker Prize-longlisted novelist Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, multitalented actress and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, literary critic Chris Power and bestselling author Kiley Reid.
“For more than 40 years, I’ve been writing, editing and thinking about novels,” Doyle enthusiastically stated. “The opportunity to read the year’s best novels is a dream come true.”
His infectious excitement hints at the rigorous and passionate selection process ahead.
Gaby Wood, Chief Executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, highlighted the panel’s unique composition. “We’ve never before had three Booker authors on the panel,” she explained, emphasising the exceptional creative prowess assembled for the 2025 prize.
The competition remains as competitive as ever, with submissions now open for works published between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. The traditional “Booker Dozen” of 12-13 books will be announced in July, with the shortlist of six books revealed in September.
The grand finale will take place in November, when the winning author will be awarded £50,000 (€60,000) and join the ranks of literary legends who have previously claimed this coveted prize.
As the literary world watches with bated breath, Doyle and his distinguished panel prepare to uncover the most exceptional fiction of the year, promising a selection that will captivate readers and celebrate the art of storytelling.
