Holzer, Goldsworthy, Libeskind, Blomstedt and Blanchett win Japan’s Praemium Imperiale

Japan’s Praemium Imperiale, an annual award that covers five branches of the arts, named its 2026 laureates on 8 September. The Japan Art Association announced the 37th set of winners in Paris, Rome, Berlin, New York, London and Tokyo:

• Painting: Jenny Holzer (United States)
• Sculpture: Andy Goldsworthy (United Kingdom)
• Architecture: Daniel Libeskind (United States)
• Music: Herbert Blomstedt (Sweden)
• Theatre/Film: Cate Blanchett (Australia)

Each laureate receives an honorarium of 15 million yen – about 81,000 euros, according to the Italian art publication Finestre sull’Arte – together with a testimonial letter and a medal. The association said the medals would be presented by Prince Hitachi, its honorary patron, at a ceremony at the Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo on 28 October 2026, with Libeskind giving a commemorative architecture lecture the following day.

The prize, the association said, recognises outstanding achievement in the arts and contributions to enriching the global community. Holzer is known for work built on language in public space, from posters to electronic signs and light projections. Goldsworthy makes sculpture and installations in direct relation to the landscape, some of it designed to change or disappear. Libeskind, who was born in Poland, has made historical memory a central concern of his buildings. Blomstedt, a Swedish conductor born in the United States, made his debut in 1954 with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Blanchett, the Australian actress, has won two Academy Awards.

A separate Grant for Young Artists, worth 5 million yen, went to La Source Garouste, a French organisation honoured for nurturing young talent through the arts. It was presented at the press conference in Paris.

The Praemium Imperiale was established in 1988, on the centenary of the Japan Art Association, in memory of Prince Takamatsu, who had been the association’s honorary patron for 58 years.