Per Wastberg said Dylan's lack of reaction was predictable but then went on to describe it as disrespectful nonetheless.

He told the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter onSaturday: "One can say that it is impolite and arrogant. He is who he is."

"We were aware that he can be difficult and that he does not like appearances when he stands alone on the stage,"

Wastberg said the academy still hopes to communicate with the 75-year-old artist, whose award credits him with creating "new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition."

The academy says it has failed to reach Dylan since the announcement of the award was made on October 13.