The Swedish Academy announced on Thursday that Canadian author Anne Carson has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature.

The prize was awarded to her for “bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature" as mentioned by The Swedish Academy.

Carson succeeds Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Carson has taught classics for more than three decades, and her writing frequently draws inspiration from ancient Greek literature. Her translations are known for bringing a contemporary perspective to classical works.

Her notable books include The Glass Essay, Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse, Nox, Float and The Beauty of the Husband: A Fictional Essay in 29 Tangos.

The Nobel Prize in Literature is one of six Nobel Prizes established in accordance with the legacy of Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel. The award carries a monetary prize of 12 million Swedish kronor, along with a Nobel medal and diploma.

Under the Nobel Prize’s confidentiality rules, nominations for the Literature prize remain sealed for 50 years. The Swedish Academy does not disclose the identities of nominees or details of their nominations until the period of secrecy has expired.