2025-04-25

First Fosse Award presented

In a very dignified and splendid celebration the German translator Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel received the newly established Fosse Prize and the French philosopher Jean-Luc Marion gave the inaugural Fosse Lecture at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

Photo: Gorm K. Gaare / National Library of Norway

On 24th of April, the French philosopher Jean-Luc Marion gave the inaugural Fosse Lecture, titled "Creation“, at the Royal Palace in Oslo, and HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit presented the newly established Fosse Prize for Translators.

The first recipient is German translator Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel, who has translated, among others, the Norwegian Nobel Prize laureate Jon Fosse into German.

The government has established the prize and the lecture in honour of Jon Fosse, and the event was organized by the National Library of Norway. NORLA is part of the Fosse Prize jury.

NORLA’s Director Margit Walsø underlined Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel’s exceptional role as an ambassador for Norwegian literature in Germany: he was the one who presented Jon Fosse in the 1990s to a broader German audience.

His translations are distinguished by their high literary quality and have helped make Norwegian literature accessible to a wide audience. The jury also highlights his tireless efforts in book presentations and literary events, which have significantly increased the visibility of Norwegian literature in Germany.

Get to learn more about Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel and Jean-Luc Marion here

See the National Library of Norway’s information and details on all events here
(please scroll down for information in English)