About the award

The world’s most prestigious theatre awards aims to honour an individual, an institution or organisation that has brought a new artistic dimension to the world of drama or theatre.

The winner is decided by a committee and announced every two years on Ibsen’s birthday. The award ceremony takes place during the International Ibsen Festival at the National Theatre in Oslo in September. The winner is invited to take part in a symposium at the National Theatre during the festival.

THE PRIZE AND NOMINATIONS

The Norwegian government founded the award in 2007 and funds it. The winner receives 2,5 million Norwegian kroner (approx. 300.000 US Dollars). There are no conditions attached to accepting the prize, and anyone can nominate candidates for the International Ibsen Award. Nominations are strictly confidential both before and after the prize winner is announced.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

The International Ibsen Award has since been given to:

Lola Arias (2024)
Back to Back Theatre (2022)
Taylor Mac (2020)
Forced Entertainment (2016)
Peter Handke (2014)
Heiner Goebbels (2012)
Jon Fosse (2010)
Ariane Mnouchkine (2009)
Peter Brook (2008)