Hungarian Author László Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature

Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the second writer from Hungary to receive the honor after Imre Kertész, who won in 2002.

The Swedish Academy announced the award on Thursday, recognizing Krasznahorkai for his distinctive literary style and profound philosophical narratives that explore chaos, time, and human endurance.

Established in 1895 through the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, the Nobel Prize in Literature honors authors whose work represents “the most outstanding contribution in an ideal direction.” Since its inception in 1901, 122 writers have received the award, including only 18 women—highlighting a persistent gender imbalance. No author writing in an African language has yet been honored, and representation from Asia and the Middle East remains limited.

The prize comes with a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 1 million euros).

Krasznahorkai, known for acclaimed works such as Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance, has long been celebrated for his dense, poetic prose and philosophical depth. His writing has influenced contemporary European literature and inspired several film adaptations by Hungarian director Béla Tarr.

The Nobel Committee praised his “visionary storytelling and masterful portrayal of the human condition amid decay and renewal,” cementing his place among the world’s most influential literary voices.