Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for his “compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art,” the Swedish Academy announced today.
Born in 1954 in Gyula, Hungary, Krasznahorkai is known for his dense, philosophical narratives exploring existential despair and societal decay. His 1985 novel, Sátántangó, received international acclaim and was adapted into a seven-hour film by director Béla Tarr. Other notable works include The Melancholy of Resistance and War & War, which have also been adapted for the screen.
Krasznahorkai’s writing style, often compared to Franz Kafka and Thomas Bernhard, is characterized by long, intricate sentences and a contemplative tone. His work frequently delves into apocalyptic themes and the human condition, earning him recognition as one of contemporary literature’s most significant voices.
In addition to the Nobel, Krasznahorkai has received the Man Booker International Prize (2015) and the National Book Award for Translated Literature (2019).
The Nobel Prize in Literature, established in 1901, is awarded annually to authors whose work has produced the most outstanding contribution to literature. The 2025 award comes with a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million) and will be presented during the official Nobel Prize ceremony on December 10, 2025.
