
Nobel Prize in Literature
AwardAbout
The Nobel Prize in Literature is one of the most renowned awards globally, recognizing authors who have made significant contributions to the literary world. Established by Alfred Nobel's will in 1895, it has been awarded annually since 1901 to individuals who have produced outstanding work in an idealistic direction. The prize is conferred by the Swedish Academy, which assesses an author's entire body of work rather than a single piece. Winners receive a gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award, which varies based on the Nobel Foundation's annual income. The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to 121 individuals from 1901 to 2024, with 18 of these being women. Notable laureates include Sully Prudhomme, Selma Lagerlöf, Rabindranath Tagore, and Gabriel García Márquez. The prize has been shared between two winners on four occasions and was not awarded in seven years due to the lack of suitable candidates. The announcement of the laureate typically occurs in early October, followed by a lecture and award ceremony in December. The prize is a testament to the enduring impact of literature on society and culture.