The Kyoto Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious honors, awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of humanity through science, technology, and the arts. Meet the 2024 laureates who continue to break new ground in their respective fields.
William Forsythe – Kyoto Prize Laureate in Arts and Philosophy
“Sometimes I Kiss Flowers”
Choreographer William Forsythe redefined ballet, transforming it into a dynamic contemporary art form. From leading Ballet Frankfurt to founding The Forsythe Company and establishing the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at USC, Forsythe has consistently pushed artistic boundaries. His pioneering improvisational techniques and bold reinterpretation of movement have challenged traditional frameworks and inspired generations of dancers and choreographers.
Watch Forsythe’s Kyoto Prize lecture
Paul Hoffman – Kyoto Prize Laureate in Basic Sciences
“Dancing Continents and Frozen Oceans: Reading Earth’s Diary in Natural Stone Tablets”
Geologist Paul Hoffman’s groundbreaking research into global freezing events and plate tectonics has reshaped our understanding of Earth’s ancient history. His work provided geological evidence for the “Snowball Earth” hypothesis—the idea that our planet was once entirely frozen—which offers crucial insights into the environmental changes that paved the way for the rapid diversification of life during the Cambrian period approximately 520 million years ago.
Watch Hoffman’s Kyoto Prize lecture
Sir John Pendry – Kyoto Prize Laureate in Advanced Technology
“The History of Metamaterials”
Physicist Sir John Pendry revolutionized materials science with his pioneering work on metamaterials—engineered materials with properties not found in nature. By manipulating internal structures, Pendry’s research unlocked unique optical, electrical, and magnetic characteristics, leading to innovations like the world’s first functional “invisibility cloak.” His work continues to influence advances in physics, engineering, and telecommunications.
Watch Pendry’s Kyoto Prize lecture
Each of these visionary laureates exemplifies the mission of the Kyoto Prize: honoring those whose work advances the frontiers of human knowledge and creativity. Explore their lectures to gain deeper insight into their groundbreaking discoveries and artistic innovations.