Recognition of outstanding achievement in theater or film
The Lauritzen Prize is the oldest award for acting outside those given by private associations in Denmark. Unlike most other theatre and acting awards, the Lauritzen Prize is not reserved only for stage actors. There is a strong emphasis on the topicality of the play and the mode of expression, so the Lauritzen Prize is also awarded to actors on the basis of a series of unique performances in film and TV drama. Winners are selected by prize committee – the Prize cannot be applied for.

The receipients of this year's Lauritzen Prize will be disclosed on 13 September 2012 at an award ceremony in the Royal Theatre Playhouse. 

The Lauritzen Prize has been awarded every year since 1993 - and prior to this as The Henkel Prize for female actors since 1965. Until this year, the tax free prize was originally DKK.50,000 and later increased to DKK.100,000 for each actor. But as from this year the amount is raised to DKK 250,000 for each actor. This marks the prize itself as one of the biggest prizes for actors in Denmark.

In addition the Lauritzen-prize four other prizes are awarded. The prizes do not have any nominees and are first revealed at the award show. They are:

The Vision Prize: 
The prize is for 100,000 DKK and is given to a person, an organization or a group that has had the courage to go where no one else has gone before and has done it with a strong, creative vision. The prize can go to both projects within theatre but also film and TV.

Backstage Prize: 
A prize of 50,000 DKK is awarded to a person that normally stands in the shadow of the actors in a production, whether it’s film, TV or theatre. Through his or her work the actors stands out in their performances. The award can go to a playwright, scriptwriter, a technician, a photographer, a set designer or a costume designer etc. I short, a person that contribute extraordinarily to what’s going on behind the scenes.

Wauw Prize: 
The prize of 30,000 DKK is awarded to an established actor/ actress performing an untraditional and surprising role. 

“Believe-in-you” Prize: 
Two prizes of 10,000 DKK are awarded in this category that aims at rewarding young talents that have been noticed throughout the year or have shown remarkable acting skills and great potential.

 In addition to the cash prizes the two recipients of the Lauritzen Prize are also rewarded with a unique silver center piece, designed, casted and made by the silversmith Manuel Sjødahl.