Canadian Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature

What the report says

Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, according to the Swedish Academy, which said her work was recognized for being bold, inventive and for creating new forms in contemporary literature through a playful engagement with classical tradition. Al Jazeera reported that Carson is 76 and is known for writing that blends poetry, fiction and classical scholarship.

The academy said Carson has produced more than 20 books and highlighted her approach to language, etymology and translation from Ancient Greek. Some of her work has also been adapted for the stage. Among her best-known titles are The Beauty of the Husband and The Trojan Women, a graphic retelling of Euripides published in 2021.

In comments reported by Al Jazeera, academy official Ingrid Carlberg said Carson was surprised by the news. Carson herself reacted on Icelandic broadcaster RUV by saying the award was “crazy.” The report said she was in Iceland at the time and also has citizenship there.

The Nobel Prize in Literature is one of the most closely watched international literary honors and carries a prize worth 12 million Swedish crowns, or about $1.2 million. Carson follows last year’s winner, Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai. The 2026 literature prize was the fourth Nobel announced this week, with the peace prize due next in Oslo.