Monday, January 19, 2026- Norwegian acting legend Liv Ullmann publicly weighed in on the unusual situation surrounding President Donald Trump and a Nobel Peace Prize medal recently gifted to him by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Speaking at the European Film Awards in Berlin after receiving a lifetime achievement honor, Ullmann called the gesture “strange” and suggested that Trump was unlikely to retain the accolade long‑term, citing laws governing how the Nobel Prize is used and interpreted. Her comments underscore broader controversy over the symbolic transfer of the award.
Ullmann, known for her acclaimed film work and cultural stature, emphasized her belief that the Nobel Peace Prize should go to those who truly merit it and noted that Norway has mechanisms to remove misuse of the award. She said it was odd to see a prize traditionally linked to profound humanitarian achievement appear to be redirected in this manner, suggesting that disappointment and dispute would follow.
The backdrop to Ullmann’s remarks is the decision by Machado, the official 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, to present her medal to Trump at the White House. While the Nobel Foundation and committee have clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be officially transferred or shared and remains forever tied to the original recipient, the physical medal is now in Trump’s possession. This has fueled debate over the meaning and integrity of the prize itself.
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