1. The Nobel Prize: The Swedish researcher, chemist and scientist Alfred Nobel left a huge fortune before dying with which he establishes as his will a fund that is the biggest reward to contributors in scientific and humanistic fields. It’s awarded every year to those who effectuate researches, implement outstanding discoveries or carry out a significant contribution to mankind in the previous year.   Each winner receives a gold medal, a diploma and a sum of money. The prize can’t be awarded posthumously (unless the winner has been appointed before his death) or be shared by more than three people.

The majestic Nobel Prize

2. The Oscar: Also called the Academy Award, it’s an the highest award given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood in recognition of directors, actors and writers who have stood out for their contribution to cinema. There are two possible versions for the name “Oscar”: Actress Bette Davis  states in her biography that they were named after her husband Oscar Nelson, and also that a secretary of the academy, when seeing the prize, exclaimed, “it looks like my uncle Oscar!”.

Meryl Streep hugging Oscar

3. The Príncipe de Asturias: This award’s intended to reward the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanistic work performed by individuals, institutions and groups of persons internationally. Created by the Foundation of the Principality of Asturias, this is the highest award delivered in Spain, particularly in the city of Oviedo, capital of Asturias, in a solemn ceremony held annually. This ceremony’s attended by great personalities from the cultural, business and sports world from Spain, as well as regional political authorities and national government. Each award consists of a diploma, a sculpture by Joan Miró representative of the award, a badge with the emblem of the Prince of Asturias Foundation and a cash prize of 50,000 euros, and it can be shared.

The heroes of Fukushima are awarded with the Prince of Asturias

4. The Golden Ball: This Ball, also known as the FIFA Ballon d’Or, is awarded annually to the best soccer player in the world. Initially, it was directed exclusively to players with an European nationality, but several years later this status was abolished in order to be received by any player in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Golden Ball

5. The Pulitzer Prizes: They’re a series of 21 awards including journalism, literature and musical composition, and considered the highest distinction for English works published in the United States every year. In his will, Joseph Pulitzer called for the creation of this award in order to stimulate excellence. Pulitzer committee has the right to not award a prize if no work meets the criteria of excellence of the jury.

This photo won a Pulitzer medal