The North Carolina Award is the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is awarded in the four fields of science, literature, the fine arts, and public service. Sometimes referred to as the "Nobel Prize of North Carolina", the award has been given to up to nine individuals each year since 1964. The awards, provided for by chapters 140A and 143B of the North Carolina General Statutes, are chosen by the North Carolina Awards Committee appointed by the Governor of North Carolina and supervised by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The award was designed by sculptor Paul Manship and was one of the last commissions he completed before his death.
On June 22, 1961, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation creating the North Carolina Awards. The enacting statute provided for awards for "Literature, Science, the Fine Arts and Public Service" to be conferred upon five citizens and one former citizen of the state every year. The program was designed to be a overseen by a five-person commission appointed by the governor. The commission would in turn appoint committees for each awarding category who would select the awardees.
The award medal was designed by Paul Manship. The first five awards were issued in 1964.
The North Carolina Award is administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Nominations are open to the public, though decisions are made by the North Carolina Awards Committee, which is made up of five persons appointed by the governor. Up to six awards may be conferred annually. Awardees are given a gold-plated silver medallion intended to be worn on a red, white, and blue ribbon around the neck.