Canadian poet Anne Carson wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
Canadian poet Anne Carson won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday, with the Swedish Academy praising her bold work that mixes the classics with new forms of writing. Carson, 76, is known for Autobiography of Red, a novel told in verse. The prize is worth 12 million Swedish kronor, about $1.2 million.
Canadian poet Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy announced the award Thursday morning in Stockholm.
The academy honored Carson "for her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature," its press release said. Oeuvre means a writer's whole body of work.
Carson, 76, was in Iceland when she got the news, the BBC reported. Ingrid Carlberg, who leads the academy, called her shortly before the public announcement. Carlberg said Carson told her she was "listening to the wind." She said Carson was surprised but very happy.
Carson's books often blur the line between poetry, fiction and scholarship. Autobiography of Red is a novel told in verse, based on bits of an ancient Greek myth. The Beauty of the Husband tells the story of a marriage in 29 tangos. Other well-known works include The Glass Essay, Nox, Float and Eros the Bittersweet, NPR and the BBC reported.
She has also translated ancient Greek writing. She has taught the classics for more than 30 years, the BBC said.
Anders Olsson chairs the academy's Nobel committee. He said Carson has "broken away from lyrical poetry bound to the narrative self and inspired new forms of contemporary literature."
Carson was a top pick before the announcement. Odds compiled by The Guardian had her tied with Chinese novelist Can Xue at 10-1 on Oct. 7, Asia Business Daily reported.
The prize is worth 12 million Swedish kronor, or about $1.2 million. Last year's winner was Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai. Recent winners also include South Korea's Han Kang and Norway's Jon Fosse, NPR noted.
Winners receive their awards on Dec. 10.
What we know: Anne Carson won the 2026 literature prize, announced Thursday.
What we don't: Whether Carson will travel to Stockholm for the Dec. 10 ceremony.
Where outlets agree The Swedish Academy, the BBC and NPR all report that Canadian author Anne Carson won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Where they differ Before the announcement, The Indian Express said Ladbrokes had Can Xue alone in front, while Asia Business Daily said Ladbrokes had her and Carson as joint frontrunners.