The announcements for honors in theatre/film, music, painting, architecture and sculpture were announced in London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, New York and Tokyo July 11.
Each recipient is recognized for their international impact on the arts and for their "role in enriching the global community." The five individual honors come with 15 million yen ($182,000), as well as a diploma and medal presented by honorary patron of the Japan Art Association Prince Hitachi.
Dench is recognized in the category of theatre/film, alongside Bill Viola (painting), Anish Kapoor (sculpture), Ricardo Legorreta (architecture) and Seiji Ozawa (music).
A 2011 Grant for Young Artists was also announced for two London organizations: The Royal Court Young Writers Programme and the Southbank Sinfonia. Both parties will split the 5 million yen ($60,000).
The Praemium Imperiale ceremony will take place Oct. 19 in Tokyo.