Nobel Peace Prize: Annual Award Count Explained
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, recognizing individuals or organizations that have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.
But how many Nobel Peace Prizes are given each year? Let's delve into the details.
How Many Nobel Peace Prizes Are Awarded Annually?
*Typically, only * one Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year. However, according to the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, the prize may be equally divided between two works deemed equally worthy. In exceptional cases, it may be reserved until the following year. Also, it can be awarded to no more than three individuals.
Key Points to Remember
- One Prize Per Year: The Nobel Committee usually awards one prize each year.
- Divided Awards: The prize can be shared equally between two different works or individuals.
- Maximum Recipients: A maximum of three individuals can share a single Nobel Peace Prize.
The Selection Process
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, consisting of five members appointed by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting), is responsible for selecting the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. The committee members are chosen to reflect the different viewpoints within the parliament.
The selection process involves:
- Nominations: Thousands of individuals and organizations are invited to submit nominations.
- Screening: The committee screens the nominations and creates a shortlist.
- Evaluation: Experts evaluate the shortlisted candidates and provide their assessments.
- Decision: The committee deliberates and selects the laureate(s) through a majority vote.
Notable Exceptions and Shared Prizes
Throughout the history of the Nobel Peace Prize, there have been instances where the prize was shared or not awarded in a particular year.
- Shared Prizes: Many times, the prize has been shared between two individuals or organizations to recognize their joint efforts in promoting peace.
- No Awards: In some years, the Nobel Committee has chosen not to award the prize, often during times of war or significant global unrest.
The Nobel Peace Prize remains a symbol of hope and recognition for those who strive to make the world a more peaceful place. The process ensures that the award goes to truly deserving recipients, whether it's one individual, two shared winners, or occasionally, no winner at all.
