The prize is awarded to a woman who has directed her first feature film, and the prize money is 50,000 euros, equivalent to half a million kronor, in support of upcoming film projects.
The luxury goods company Kering and the Cannes Film Festival are behind the award.
The winner is chosen by last year's winner, in this case Australian Shannon Murphy.
"I feel honored to have been selected to receive the award by last year's winner Shannon Murphy.
Doing 'Pleasure' has been difficult but also a very rewarding process and I am happy that it is now out.
I was so proud when it was shown in Cannes 2020, and since the film was not shown during the pandemic, this award means extra to me, says Ninja Thyberg.