The award is given annually to a person or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to the humanities, the social sciences, or the arts, in Europe and beyond. 

Noah has been recognized for his sharp-minded, mocking yet inclusive political comedy, which upholds the 'Erasmian Spirit' according to the jury.

Trevor Noah, a South African comedian, has made history by becoming the first comedian to win Europe's prestigious Erasmus Prize since Charlie Chaplin in 1965. 

The award is given annually by the Premium Erasmianum Foundation to a person or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to the humanities, social sciences, or arts in Europe and beyond. The prize comes with a cash prize of €150,000 (R2.9 million). 

Noah's sharp-minded, mocking yet inclusive political comedy was cited as the reason why he upholds the "Erasmian Spirit." Noah's award-winning work coincided with Donald Trump's Presidency, Covid-19, and the Black Lives Matter movement. 

The foundation praised the comedian for his astute reflections on these issues and his influence on a young, diverse, and global audience.

Noah has also been internationally recognized for his work in humour. He has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for his outstanding work as host of The Daily Show and won two for his autobiography, Born A Crime. Noah has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and has won MTV awards and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice awards for his work. 

He made his breakthrough in stand-up comedy at a young age with his solo shows, The Daywalker (2009), Crazy Normal (2011), That's Racist (2012), and It's My Culture (2013), which made him a household name in South Africa.

Noah rose to fame in the US when he signed on to host The Daily Show. In 2022, the talk show picked up the most Emmy nominations since Noah became host, attributed to his magnetic charm. 

In September, Noah announced his time as host of "the most popular satirical television programme in the world" was ending. He said goodbye to The Daily Show on 8 December. 

The emergence of a new generation of socially committed Black comedians in South Africa who explore racism and the legacy of colonialism has been called the "Trevor Noah effect." 

Satirical humour may be provocative, shocking and even offensive, but it is fundamental in a free society. Charlie Chaplin observed that "the function of comedy is to sharpen our sensitivity to the perversions of justice within the society in which we live." 

The foundation concluded the above observation "applies equally to Noah and his work," giving even more reason to award him the prestigious prize.