On September 8, the 2026 laureates of the 37th Praemium Imperiale were announced in Berlin at the Japanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB), bringing together around 100 distinguished guests from the arts and culture community, as well as members of the media. 

The laureates were announced by Prof. Dr. h. c. Klaus-Dieter Lehmann, International Advisor to the Praemium Imperiale, and Prof. Dr. Marion Ackermann, Vice Chair of the German Nomination Committee. We were especially pleased to welcome this year’s Architecture laureate, Daniel Libeskind, who shared insights into some of his most significant projects.

The 2026 laureates are Daniel Libeskind (Architecture), Jenny Holzer (Painting), Andy Goldsworthy (Sculpture), Herbert Blomstedt (Music) and Cate Blanchett (Theatre/Film). The Praemium Imperiale Grant for Young Artists goes to La Source Garouste from France.

Congratulations to all the 2026 laureates! 

After the announcement, guests continued the conversation and exchanged ideas during a reception in the JDZB atrium.

For the third consecutive year, the JDZB was chosen as the Berlin venue for this international announcement – an honour we are delighted to share.