The Prix Médicis 2026 shortlist has been revealed, highlighting a diverse selection of novels by French and international authors. The jury, led by novelist Pascale Roze and including notable writers like Marie Darrieussecq, Anne Garréta, and Andreï Makine, has chosen 18 French-language books and 17 foreign novels. Among the most talked-about entries are "Nous aussi" by Anne Godard, "C'était ça ou rien" by Thélyson Orélien, and "Vivre sans bonheur et n'en point dépérir" by Véronique Ovaldé. The shortlist was officially announced on Friday, September 11, with the next round of selections set for October 15 and the final award ceremony scheduled for November 2. Several of the shortlisted novels are also competing for other prestigious French literary awards, such as the Goncourt and Femina prizes. Anne Godard’s "Nous aussi" and Thélyson Orélien’s debut novel, "C'était ça ou mourir," are among the titles vying for these additional honors. Last year, the Médicis Prize was awarded to Emmanuel Carrère’s novel "Kolkhoze." This year’s selection emphasizes works from smaller, independent publishing houses, such as Les Intranquilles, Les Léonides, Elyzad, and Cambourakis. These publishers, many of which are relatively new, have gained attention for their commitment to literary quality and innovation. The shortlist for French-language novels includes titles such as Lucie Bérard’s "Décolorer sa fille," Boris Bergmann’s "Minotaure," and Simon Chevrier’s "Bonne figure," each offering a unique perspective on contemporary themes. The foreign novels on the shortlist span a wide range of authors and countries, including Eva Baltasar from Spain, Lavinia Braniste from Romania, and Arturo Pérez-Reverte from Spain. Titles like "Les Porteuses d'eau" by Sasha Bonét and "La maison d'été" by Masashi Matsuie reflect the international scope of the Prix Médicis, which aims to celebrate excellence in literature regardless of origin. The final award will be announced on November 2, marking the culmination of the 2026 literary season.