The Fosse Lecture and the Fosse Prize for Translators 2026

“Today we are fortunate to be in the company of Marilynne Robinson. She is one of the most acclaimed writers of our time and one of the United States’ leading intellectuals,” said the Crown Princess. “We also honour this year’s recipient of the Fosse Prize, Paula Stevens, who has translated close to 90 books from Norwegian into Dutch. A remarkable life’s work.”

The Grand Hall at the Royal Palace was filled with guests and enthusiasts from libraries, publishing houses and literary centres. After an introduction by the Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery, and a presentation by National Librarian Åse Wetås, Marilynne Robinson took to the podium and delivered her lecture on faith and freedom of thought.

Thank you very much, Marilynne Robinson,” said Åse Wetås after the lecture, “for sharing your reflections on how to find hope in literature even when the present can feel bleak, and thank you for reminding us of humanity’s capacity to sharpen thought.

The Fosse Prize 2026

Then the time had come for the presentation of the Fosse Prize for Translators 2026 to Paula Stevens. The award was presented by the Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery, after Margit Walsø, Director of NORLA – Norwegian Literature Abroad, had set out the jury’s reasoning.

Ms Walsø highlighted the scope and quality of Stevens’ work, as well as her ability to find precise and creative solutions to demanding translation challenges.

“Over more than four decades, her work has been of crucial importance for the dissemination of Norwegian literature in the Dutch-language area. She is also a key advocate and spokesperson for Norwegian authors,” Margit Walsø concluded.

The Fosse Lecture 2026

Marilynne Robinson (b. 1943) is an American author and essayist, best known for the award-winning Gilead quartet. She holds a PhD in English literature and has taught creative writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Robinson has been translated into 36 languages and is regarded as one of the foremost literary thinkers of our time, with essays and novels revolving around faith, grace, and human dignity. She has received numerous major literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, and is frequently mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature. (Source: nb.no)

The Fosse Prize 2026

Paula Stevens (b. 1955) is a leading Dutch translator and a central ambassador for Norwegian literature to Dutch-speaking audiences. Since 1982, she has translated nearly 90 books from Norwegian, including works by Karl Ove Knausgård, Lars Mytting, Roy Jacobsen, Johan Harstad and Åsne Seierstad. Over four decades, Stevens has played a decisive role in the spread and understanding of Norwegian literature in the Netherlands, and she has also been key in recruiting and training new translators. She has been awarded numerous prestigious prizes. (Source: nb.no)

Crown Princess Mette-Marit is the Royal Patron of both the Fosse Prize and the Fosse Lecture.