Bob Dylan has finally acknowledged the fact that he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. No, seriously.
“It’s hard to believe,” Dylan said in an interview with The Telegraph. Dylan also said that when he found out he won he felt “amazing, incredible.”
In true Dylan more-words-is-less style, he offered this simple answer when asked if he would attend the awards ceremony. “Absolutely. If it’s at all possible.”
And what about the rumors that Dylan has refused to take calls from the Nobel Committee over the past two weeks as they’ve tried to reach him? “Well, I’m right here,” he said.
Prior to this interview, Dylan had only recognized the fact he won the prestigious award with a brief note on his official website.
A line previously appeared at the top of the page promoting his book, “Bob Dylan: The Lyrics: 1961-2012.” It simply read, “Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.” Less than a day later, the line was removed.
The celebrated singer-songwriter was awarded the prize “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” However, the Swedish Academy, which chooses the winner, has still been unable to reach Dylan.
In a statement to TheWrap, Academy permanent secretary Sara Danius said, “We have not yet established direct contact with Bob Dylan but I have spoken to one of his close colleagues, who was extremely gracious.” Dylan will still receive the prize even if he doesn’t attend the award ceremony.