A Dream Play
In Sweden, Hanson balanced his film work with an outstanding stage career, making memorable appearances in "A Dream Play" (1935), "The Ghost Sonata" (1942), and as James Tyrone in the world premiere of Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey into Night" (1956). In 1956, Hanson, along with actress Inga Tidblad (who played Mary Tyrone) also became the first two actors to receive The Eugene O'Neill Award; today known as Sweden's most prestigious theatre award and presented annually to the country's most outstanding stage actors. Hanson was also a successful Shakespearean actor, especially for his performances as Richard III and Hamlet.