Awards ceremony for Nordic Council prizes to be broadcast live from Stockholm on 29 October
Every year, the Nordic Council awards five prizes in recognition of Nordic literature, languages, music, and film, as well as innovative thinking in the field of the environment. This year, it is the turn of the Swedish parliament’s delegation to the Nordic Council to host the awards ceremony. President of the Nordic Council Hans Wallmark praises the strong field of nominees and the close co-operation of the Nordic Region:
“The Nordic Council prizes are vital for supporting and raising awareness of some of our region’s artistic expressions and inspiring environmental efforts. It’s so pleasing that we’re gathering here in Stockholm to enjoy and celebrate Nordic culture and, not least, the nominees for this year’s five prizes.”
Outstanding efforts in the fields of culture and the environment
52 works, initiatives, and artists have been nominated for the five Nordic Council prizes in 2019. They include novels, short stories, picture books, and poetry collections, as well as debut feature films, a documentary film, violinists, singers, a harmonica quartet, ugly vegetables, knitted sweaters, and one of the most influential teenagers in the world.
The five winners will each receive Nordlys statuettes and DKK 350,000. Giving out the prizes in 2019 are:
- Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize – Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven
- Nordic Council Music Prize – conductor and former winner Susanna Mälkki
- Nordic Council Environment Prize – environmental activist Noura Berrouba
- Nordic Council Film Prize – actor Lene Cecilia Sparrok
- Nordic Council Literature Prize – author Johannes Anyuru
From classical national romance to pop
Hosted by acclaimed literary writer and television host Jessika Gedin, the audience can look forward to stellar performances by Västerås Sinfonietta and chief conductor Cathrine Winnes, the Icelandic duo Hugar, breakthrough group The Mamas, and many more. Producer Bosse Persson talks about his thoughts about the programme:
“We’ve focused heavily on ensuring that all winners and nominees are properly celebrated during the awards ceremony, both within the hall and by all the participants on the stage. In addition to the ceremonial elements, there will be a variety of Swedish and Nordic music and entertainment, from classical national romance to pop, as well as a performance of a specially commissioned work for cello, sinfonietta, electronica, and visuals. There’s lots to enjoy!”
Watch the awards ceremony on SVT Play
The ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall will start at 19:30 (CET) and can be watched on SVT Play in all the Nordic countries. The awards ceremony will also be broadcast on public service channels throughout the Nordic Region. Please see local television listings for times.
About the Nordic Council prizes
The Nordic Council prizes are considered the most prestigious prizes in the region and attract considerable international attention. First awarded in 1962, the literature prize is the oldest of the five prizes. This was followed by the music prize in 1965, the environment prize in 1995, the film prize in 2002, and the children and young people’s literature prize in 2013. The five adjudication committees select the nominees and the winner.
The Nordic Council prizes will be awarded in conjunction with the 71st Session of the Nordic Council in Stockholm, where politicians, prime ministers, and other ministers and opposition leaders from all over the Nordic Region come together to engage in political debate.
Information for the press
The Nordic Council prizes will be awarded at the Stockholm Concert Hall on 29 October 2019. Accreditation for the Session is required to enter the awards ceremony.
