The Japan Art Association has announced that five international innovators have been chosen to receive this year's 2003 Praemium Imperiale, one of the world's most prestigious arts prizes.
The five are British filmmaker Ken Loach, British painter Bridget Riley, Italian sculptor Mario Merz, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and Italian conductor Claudio Abbado.
Each laureate will receive 15 million yen and a medal. The award ceremony will take place in Tokyo on Oct. 3. During their stay, the laureates will have an audience with the Emperor and Empress.