Académie Goncourt announces eight finalists for 2026 prize

The Académie Goncourt has announced its second selection for the 2026 Prix Goncourt, narrowing the field to eight novels. The selection includes works by Philippe Jaenada, Anne Godard, Sonia Devillers, and Yannick Haenel. The group consists of five men and three women.

This announcement follows the recent removal of Canadian-Haitian author Thélyson Orélien from consideration. His novel, ‘C'était ça ou mourir’, was withdrawn by the Academy following allegations of plagiarism and the use of artificial intelligence.

Other authors eliminated in this round include Ananda Devi and Lilia Hassaine. The publishing house Gallimard has three novels in the final eight, while Grasset no longer has representation. The Academy will reduce the list to four finalists on October 27, with the final prize to be awarded on November 3.