Giller Prize 2004: Complete list of winners

Alice Munro claimed the 2004 Giller Prize for Fiction with Runaway, a collection that proved why she remains one of Canada’s most celebrated voices in short fiction. The Giller Prize, established in 1994 and named after literary journalist Doris Giller, has become one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for English-language fiction, and Munro’s win underscored her enduring mastery of the form. What makes this particular victory notable is that it recognized Munro’s continued ability to evolve within the short story genre, crafting narratives that balance intimacy with moral complexity.

Runaway showcases Munro at her characteristic best—exploring the interior lives of ordinary Canadians, particularly women, with a psychological depth that belies the stories’ deceptive simplicity. The collection examines themes of escape, commitment, and the ways our choices ripple through our relationships. For those tracking the Giller Prize history or searching for major Canadian literary awards, the 2004 Giller Prize winner represents a moment when the award recognized not just excellence but the kind of sustained literary achievement that defines a career.

Below you’ll find the complete details of the 2004 Giller Prize winner and finalists:

Fiction

• Runaway by Alice Munro