Patti Smith Receives Princess of Asturias Arts Award in Oviedo

American singer, songwriter and poet Patti Smith received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts at Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Spain, on October 23. Princess Leonor presented the award during a ceremony presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. In her acceptance speech, Smith described the recognition as encouragement to continue working and evolving as she approaches 80. She said she wanted to find new ways to help people and offer younger generations hope and stability, and thanked the foundation for opportunities to meet and perform with young people during her visit.