Sámi literature, young love in wartime and environmental engagement
The winners of the 2026 Nordic Council Prizes were announced today. All this year’s prize winners are from Norway.
The Literature Prize is awarded to the novel Láŋtdievvá / Planterhaug by Sigbjørn Skåden. For the first time in 35 years, the prize goes to a work written in Sámi. The book was published simultaneously in Sámi and Norwegian and was nominated by both the Sámi and Norwegian juries. The novel follows a police officer from Oslo who travels to the Sámi village of Planterhaug to investigate a death. In the Norwegian edition, Skåden moves between Tornedalen Sámi, Nynorsk and Bokmål. These shifts between languages highlight Norway’s linguistic diversity and make language a central part of the narrative. Skåden uses language as a literary tool to explore questions of belonging, identity and power relations.
The Children and Young People’s Literature Prize goes to Du eneste – historien om Gunvor Hofmo og Ruth Maier by Hilde Hagerup. The novel is inspired by the true story of Gunvor Hofmo and Ruth Maier during the Second World War. It portrays the love between them during a dark period marked by war and the persecution of Jews. At the same time, the novel raises questions about love, identity, xenophobia, and war that remain relevant today. The novel resonates with readers of all ages, even though it is written for children and young people. Hagerup has previously written numerous works for children and young people.
The Environmental Prize goes to Miljøagentene, an organization that gives children and young people opportunities to engage with environmental issues in their local communities and make their voices heard through political advocacy. By giving children access to democratic channels, the organization enables them to influence decisions and participate in climate and environmental issues. At a time when many young people are anxious about climate and environmental issues, engagement that inspires hope and belief in a better future is important.
The Film Prize goes to Sentimental Value (Affeksjonsverdi), directed and co-written by Joachim Trier, co-written by Eskil Vogt, and produced by Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar.
The Music Prize goes to Elja by Kristine Tjøgersen and Benedicte Maurseth.
The prizes will be presented on 27th October in Helsinki. Read more about all the winners on the Nordic Council’s website.