Photo: Maja BrandAward Ceremony 2026
During a grand evening at the Stockholm Concert Hall on May 25, we celebrated the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate, Jon Klassen. The award was presented by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Highlights from the award ceremony
In addition to the prize sum of SEK 5 million, Jon Klassen received a diploma created by Clara Dackenberg. The evening’s host was Philomène Grandin. Entertainment was provided by Esther and Kompani Giraff.
"I will spend as much time as possible going forward trying to express what this award means to me. It is truly life-changing", said Jon Klassen in his acceptance speech.
Click here for the full acceptance speech.
A longer summary of the award ceremony will be published shortly.
Photos from the award ceremony
HRH Crown Princess Victoria presented the award diploma to Jon Klassen. In addition to the diploma Jon Klassen received a prize of 5 million Swedish kronor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature.
Photo: Maja Brand
Philomène Grandin was the evening’s host.
Photo: Maja Brand
The Chair of the Board of the Swedish Arts Council, Ulrika Årehed Kågström, held a welcome speech: "Books are the perfect maps for children to navigate the complexities of the world and become agents of change."
Esther provided the musical entertainment.
Photo: Maja Brand
Esther and her band performed the song "Streets of Frankfurt".
Photo: Maja Brand
Jon Klassen and HRH Crown Princess Victoria.
Photo: Maja Brand
Minister for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall praised the laureate in her speech: "Jon Klassen, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Thank you for sharing your imagination with us in both written words and congenial illustrations."
Photo: Maja Brand
Kompani Giraff performed a magical circus show.
Photo: Maja Brand
Kompani Giraff with the act "Magical Blocks", inspired by Jon Klassen’s visual world.
Photo: Maja Brand
Philomène Grandin read aloud from Jon Klassen’s book This Is Not My Hat.
Photo: Maja Brand
The jury chair, Boel Westin, gave a speech in honour of Jon Klassen and read the jury’s citation.
Photo: Maja Brand
"I will spend as much time as possible going forward trying to express what this award means to me. It is truly life-changing", said Jon Klassen in his acceptance speech.
Photo: Maja Brand
Jon Klassen received a standing ovation.
Photo: Maja Brand
Acceptance Speech
"I will spend as much time as possible going forward trying to express what this award means to me. It is truly life-changing."
The full acceptance speech
Precision, emotion and inventive wit
Jon Klassen is a Canadian illustrator and picture book artist. His breakout book "I Want My Hat Back" (2011) is a layered, ingeniously told tale of ownership and morality. Klassen's body of work forms a subtle, astute, and humorous investigation into existential questions, where feelings of anticipation, suspense, and shock play a central role.
Discover Jon Klassen