The literary awards season in France marks a key moment in the year for literature lovers. These eagerly-awaited awards spotlight remarkable works and talented authors, while perpetuating a rich and diverse literary tradition. This year, the deliberations and announcements of the winners attracted particular interest, reflecting the vitality and diversity of the French literary landscape.
The Prix Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary prize, continues a tradition that began in 1903. The prize was created by Edmond de Goncourt to honor the memory of his brother Jules. The Prix Renaudot, created by 10 journalists awaiting the results of the Goncourt and often seen as a complement to it, has been awarded almost simultaneously since 1926, offering an alternative form of recognition. The Prix Fémina, created in 1904 by 22 women writers in response to the exclusion of women from the Goncourt jury, promotes the female voice in literature. The Prix Médicis, launched in 1958, rewards authors whose work is innovative and daring, often paving the way for new literary trends.
Four prizes among many, and particularly eagerly awaited during this week of renewed French literature! Each prize, with its unique history and specific criteria, helps to spotlight diverse and innovative literary talent. For readers keen to immerse themselves in the very best of contemporary literature, this year's prizewinners are an excellent starting point. Don't hesitate to discover and share them, to keep the spirit of French literature alive. Happy reading!
Prix Médicis 2024: Julia Deck honoured, full list of winners
The coveted Prix Médicis 2024 was awarded to Julia Deck for her novel "Ann d'Angleterre". See the full list of winners! [Read more]
Prix Goncourt 2024: Kamel Daoud triumphs with "Houris
The Prix Goncourt 2024, announced on November 4 at the Drouant restaurant in Paris, was awarded this year to Kamel Daoud's novel "Houris". The novel follows the story of Aube, a young mute girl whose throat was slit during the civil war between 1992 and 2002. [Read more]
The Prix Renaudot 2024 goes to Gaël Faye with "Jacaranda".
The prestigious Prix Renaudot, which rewards writers while awaiting the results of the Goncourt, was awarded this year to Gaël Faye, for his latest novel on the history of the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, "Jacaranda". [Read more]
Prix Femina 2024: Miguel Bonnefoy's "Le Rêve du jaguar" wins award
On November 5, the Prix Femina 2024 was awarded to Miguel Bonnefoy for his book "Le Rêve du jaguar", a baroque family saga set in France, Chile and Venezuela. The novel also won the Prix de l'Académie française a few weeks earlier. [Read more]
Prix de Flore 2023: Maria Pourchet wins for her novel "Western".
This year's Prix de Flore 2023 honored Maria Pourchet for her novel "Western", a bold tale that delves deep into the repercussions of #MeToo on relationships and seduction. This literary event, held at Paris' renowned Café de Flore, honors a work that sheds light on the contemporary challenges of love and power. [Read more]
Goncourt des Lycéens 2023: literary prize awarded to Neige Sinno for "Triste Tigre" ("Sad Tiger")
The Goncourt des Lycées, whose winner was announced on November 23, 2023, was won by Neige Sinno with her novel 'Triste Tigre'. This work, already awarded the Prix Femina, stands out in today's literary landscape, illustrating the richness and diversity of contemporary literature. [Read more]
