Baryshnikov Wins One of The Most Prestigious Awards For Artists

Mikhail Baryshnikov has yet another honor to add to his impressive trophy case: The renowned Praemium Imperiale International Arts Award given by the Japan Art Association.

The lifetime achievement award, given every year since 1989, celebrates artistic fields not covered by the Nobel Prize. And it comes with quite a notable financial gift: 15 million yen, or approximately $136,000.

Baryshnikov is one of five winners this year: Along with musician Youssou N’Dour, visual artist Shirin Neshat, sculptor El Anatsui and architect Rafael Moneo, he joins a prestigious list of past laureates that includes Sylvie Guillem and Merce Cunningham. A ceremony in Tokyo on October 18 will celebrate the 2017 honoress, with gold medals presented by none other than Japan’s Prince Hitachi.