• Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai has won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature.
• The Nobel committee praised his visionary oeuvre amidst apocalyptic themes.
• Krasznahorkai's works, including "Satantango," often feature long, unbroken sentences.
• He is noted for addressing despair, beauty, and the fragility of social order.
• This marks the second Nobel Prize for a Hungarian author, following Imre Kertesz in 2002.

Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art," as announced by the Swedish Academy. Born in 1954, Krasznahorkai is widely recognized as one of Hungary’s most significant literary figures, with his first novel, Satantango, published in 1985, which established his reputation not only in Hungary but also internationally. The novel's structure, consisting of lengthy, uninterrupted sentences, reflects his unique storytelling style that immerses readers in a world of philosophical depth and existential reflection, according to BBC, Los Angeles Times, and The Hill.

Krasznahorkai's works explore themes of dystopia, chaos, and the fragile nature of existence, often employing a melancholic yet darkly humorous tone. His writing has been described as a "hypnotic" experience, drawing readers into a profound engagement with the absurdity and desperation of human life. Critics highlight his intricate style, making his sentences "the Hotel California of literature," from which readers can never fully escape, according to Los Angeles Times, Channel News Asia, and India Times.

Notable for his collaborations with filmmaker Béla Tarr, several of Krasznahorkai's books have been adapted into acclaimed films, further enhancing their visual and thematic impact. The Nobel committee acknowledged his works like The Melancholy of Resistance and War & War, which delve into the complexities of human experience and societal decay. In these narratives, Krasznahorkai’s "artistic gaze is entirely free of illusion" which underscores his belief in the transformative power of art, as stated by Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, according to Bangkok Post, Le Monde, and India Times.

The award marks a significant achievement for Krasznahorkai, who has long been recognized for his literary contributions. His works have already garnered prestigious accolades, including the 2015 Man Booker International Prize. This recognition comes during a time of renewed interest in Eastern European literature and its cultural dynamism, as reflected in the critical acclaim that Krasznahorkai has received, acquiring a following beyond Hungarian borders. This recognition comes at a time when the literary world continues to grapple with the significance of meaning in an increasingly chaotic reality, according to The Hill, Channel News Asia, and Los Angeles Times.