Anne Carson, the Canadian poet and writer, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced. The academy recognized her for her "bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature."
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At 76 years old, Carson is noted for her ability to blur the lines between poetry and fiction, as well as for her innovative translations of ancient texts. She has authored over 20 books, several of which have been adapted into plays, and has received numerous literary accolades throughout her career. The academy highlighted that Carson’s work revolves around the interplay between the philologist’s obsession with language and the poet’s quest for new meaning, emphasizing her approach to etymology as central to her creativity.
Ingrid Carlberg, the permanent secretary of the academy, revealed that Carson was "very taken by surprise" by the news of her win. During their brief conversation, she mentioned being in Iceland, where she remarked, "I’m listening to the wind."
Reacting to the announcement, Carson expressed her astonishment to Icelandic broadcaster RUV, stating, "Crazy. I think they’re all crazy … Well, you know, it’s crazy." Born in Toronto, Carson also holds citizenship in Iceland, where she often spends time.
Among her significant works is "The Beauty of the Husband," a poignant narrative poem exploring a troubled marriage. Her latest, "The Trojan Women," published in 2021, offers a modern retelling of the classic Greek story by Euripides.
In August 2024, Carson revealed in the London Review of Books that she has been living with Parkinson's disease.
The Nobel Prize, which comes with a monetary award of 12 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.2 million), is considered the highest honor in literature. The 2025 laureate was Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai. Established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the prestigious prizes in literature, science, and peace have been awarded since 1901. This announcement marks the fourth Nobel given this week, following those in medicine, physics, and chemistry, with the peace prize set to be announced in Oslo on Friday.