Trevor Noah claims his R3 million Erasmus Prize in the Netherlands.
South African comedian Trevor Noah has been honoured in the Netherlands with the esteemed Erasmus Prize. Noah was awarded the distinguished award on 28 November 2023. The announcement of his win was publicized initially in March, early in the year. His Majesty the King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, presented the award at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
Trevor Noah has become the first and youngest comedian to be a recipient of the Erasmus Prize in 58 years succeeding the comic icon, Charlie Chaplin. In accordance with the Royal House of the Netherlands website, the Erasmus Prize is “awarded annually to a person or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to the humanities, the social sciences or the arts in the framework of European cultural tradition”. Additionally, the award is accompanied by a cash amount of R3 080 670.00 and is given by the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation.
Trevor Noah was honoured with the award following his inspired contribution to the 2023 theme ‘In Praise of Folly’, read a statement by the Royal House of the Netherlands. The former Daily Show host has expressed humanitarian values which has granted him the prestigious award. In addition to this award, Noah has won multiple awards including Primetime Emmy Award and other international honours. These celebrations have cemented the contribution Noah has made on an international scale. This is since the beginning of his career in South Africa in 2002.
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Trevor Noah proceeded to express his gratitude via his social media.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Netherlands!”
“It was truly an honour to be awarded the 2023 Erasmus Prize!!”