It is only the fifth time this century that the prize, which consists of a gold medal, has been awarded for "particularly outstanding contributions within one of the Academy's areas of interest."
Swedish Barbro Osher is – according to a press release from the Academy – a political scientist, diplomat, philanthropist and patron of the arts.
For many years, she has donated billions to artistic and medical causes in Sweden via a fund in the United States.
Osher received the award at the Academy's gala gathering in Stockholm on Saturday.
The prize was established in 1786 by King Gustaf III.
