Literary prizes in France

France hosts a wide array of literary prizes each year, with over two thousand awarded annually. These awards vary in influence, but those given in autumn—particularly the Goncourt Prize—are the most prestigious and influential, as they select from the latest literary releases.

Goncourt Prize 2026 shortlist

The Goncourt Prize 2026 shortlist features works by authors such as Boris Bergmann, Sonia Devillers, and Yannick Haenel, among others. One book, C’était ça ou mourir by Thélyson Orélien, was initially included but removed in September after concerns that it might have been written using artificial intelligence.

Femina Prize 2026 shortlist

The Femina Prize 2026 shortlist includes both French and translated novels, along with essays. Notable entries include La Méthode by David Djaïz and Baignade surveillée by Laura Kasischke, translated from English. The list also features works by authors such as Elise Lespade and Lucie Rico.

Renaudot Prize 2026 shortlist

The Renaudot Prize 2026 shortlist includes a diverse range of novels and essays. Among the novel entries are Minotaure by Boris Bergmann and Le Palais by François-Henri Désérable. Essays on the list include works by Nathan Devers and Raphaël Melz, covering topics from personal identity to historical narratives.

Médicis Prize 2026 shortlist

The Médicis Prize 2026 shortlist features both French and translated novels, including Décolorer sa fille by Lucie Bérard and Déclin et fascination by Eva Baltasar, translated from Catalan. The essay category includes works by Jean Baptiste Del Amo and Souleymane Bachir Diagne, addressing themes such as language and hospitality.

Académie française and Décembre Prize shortlists

The Grand Prix du roman de l’Académie française shortlist includes La solitude des professeurs est infinie by Yannick Haenel and Heures sauvages by Marie Petitcuénot. The Décembre Prize 2026 shortlist features works such as Nous aussi by Anne Godard and Mais que fait ce sang sur le pull de Jennifer ? by Lucie Rico.