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. Recipients are selected by prize committee – the Prize cannot be applied for. The Lauritzen Prize 2011 award took place at The Royal Theatre Playhouse on September 7, 2011.  Recipients 2011: The Lauritzen Prize: Lene Maria Christensen og Ulf Pilgaard The Lauritzen Prize has been awarded every year since 1993 - and prior to this as The Henkel Prize for female actors since 1965. Until 2010, the tax free prize was DKK.50,000 and later increased to DKK.100,000 for each actor. But now 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. The Vision Prize: Mungo Park 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: Mogens Rukov 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: Ina-Miriam Rosenbaum The prize of 30,000 DKK is awarded to an established actor/ actress performing an untraditional and surprising role. “Believe-in-you” Prize: Nikolaj Bjørn-Andersen og May el-Toukhy 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. Slideshow from the 2011 award show at The Royal Theatre Playhouse: For motivational speeches and download of pictures from the award ceremony in our press centre – CLICK HERE     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. Together with his father, Erik Sjødahl, Manuel has more than 200 years of experience in designing and creating matchless effects in precious metal.  As a replacement for the ship’s bells previously awarded the recipients of the Lauritzen Prize, Manuel has designed these two-kilo heavy centerpieces in massive silver.  Other people that own some of Sjødahl’s design are Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Queen Elisabeth of England, Vladimir Putin, Francois Mitterand and former Princess Diana – to mention a few. The Lauritzen Foundation are proud to be able to give away these two beautiful center pieces that are unique in terms of quality and design, and look forward to the continued collaboration with Manuel Sjødahl.  More pictures from the making of the center pieces