The Bjørnson Prize 2025 is awarded to the Finnish-Estonian author Sofi Oksanen for her epic authorship and commitment to human rights, and for keenly portraying the realities faced by women, both in times of war and peace. Oksanen is an active participant in the public debate and has been vocal in her warnings about Russian aggression and the vulnerability of neighboring countries long before this became widely recognized.
“Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of author’s work and to me it has always been the most precious value: without it there’s no art and without art there’s no way of knowing who we are. At present the freedom of expression is facing the hardest challenges I’ve seen during my lifetime, making defending this value even more important. I’m deeply honoured for the Bjørnson Prize and I see strong symbolism in the fact that the prize ceremony is held in the world’s only liberal democracy which has received its welfare from rich natural resources. It’s possible also for other countries like that, but not without freedom of expression and will to defend it. My work wouldn’t have been possible without artists, authors, scholar and journalists who have put their lives in danger defending civili rights and freedom of expression, at present, and before my time, and therefore my biggest gratitude goes to them,” says Oksanen.
From the Jury’s Statement
At the core of Sofi Oksanen’s authorship is a brave and uncompromising humanism. She writes about oppression, abuse of power, and injustice, and uses her public voice and position to speak clearly and directly about freedom of expression, human rights, and political freedom.
“Sofi Oksanen was born in 1977 in Finland and grew up with an Estonian mother and Finnish father. Her debut novel Stalin’s Cows (2003) explores a wide range of themes and deals with the living conditions of Estonian women. The novel addresses the brutality of war and prison camps, as well as eating disorders, shame, and betrayal. Her international breakthrough came with Purge, which won the Nordic Council Literature Prize. In this and subsequent novels, she explores women’s experiences of war with a sharp eye.
Her literature is infused with silence—not as absence, but as a pressing presence. Her characters carry experiences so painful that they lack the language to express them. Sometimes the language is lost, other times it is taboo or suppressed. Speaking of shame often worsens it, making silence its most common expression. Her entire literary project is a revolt against this silence. She gives form and voice to what cannot be spoken. Her stories offer recognition and courage.
In several novels, Oksanen portrays lesser-known sides of European history, especially experiences of war, occupation, and oppression. Her work in conveying forgotten and overlooked history gives a voice to those who cannot be heard. By highlighting Estonia’s history, Oksanen has helped expand the understanding of what constitutes Nordic literature. She has brought Estonia’s complex past and present into world literature, enriching both Nordic and international literary landscapes.
She takes ethical responsibility in her books and confronts uncomfortable truths about human behavior. She explores how individuals and societies relate to guilt, shame, and survival. She is fearless in confronting moral dilemmas.
With her unique blend of historical insight, engagement, psychological depth, and literary innovation, Oksanen has created a body of work that both enriches and challenges readers. Her ability to convey complex themes through epic works has gained her a wide readership and international recognition.”
Facts About the Bjørnson Prize
▪ The Bjørnson Prize is awarded to a Nordic author for literary work and social engagement in the spirit of Bjørnson.
▪ The jury consists of Joakim Hammerlin (Nansen School), Birger Emanuelsen (Norwegian Authors’ Union), Cathrine Strøm (Lillehammer UNESCO City of Literature), Linn T. Sunne (Innlandet County Library), Kristin Brandtsegg Johansen (Lillehammer Museum Foundation), and Yukiko Duke (Norwegian Festival of Literature).
▪ Recent winners:
2018: Johannes Anyuru (SE)
2019: Carsten Jensen (DK)
2020: Maja Lunde (NO)
2021: Sara Omar (DK)
2022: Niviaq Korneliussen (GL)
2023: Åsne Seierstad (NO)
2024: Caspar Eric (DK)
2025: Sofi Oksanen (FI)
▪ The prize is NOK 100,000.
Bjørnson events in English during the Norwegian Festival of Literature
The Bjørnson Prize is awarded at the opening of the Norwegian Festival of Literature on Tuesday, June 3. The prize is part of a series of events and outreach projects rooted in the spirit of Bjørnson, where literature’s transformative power and the value of democracy and freedom of expression take center stage.
The “Bjørnsonløypa” includes the following events and projects (in English):
Townhall Meeting for Freedom of Expression
Tuesday, June 3, 17:00–18:00
Scandic Hotel, Lillehammer
Bjørnson Lecture: Sofi Oksanen
Wednesday, June 4th, 14:00-14:50
Kulturhuset Banken, Festsalen
Close-Up: Sofi Oksanen
Wednesday, June 4, 17:00–17:50
Kulturhuset Banken, Festsalen
Photo: Toni Härkönen