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French Author Didier Decoin Dies at 81
French novelist and screenwriter Didier Decoin died on 5 August 2026 at the age of 81. The Académie Goncourt announced his death; he had served as its president from 2020 to 2024. Decoin, who won the Prix Goncourt in 1977 for his novel "John l'Enfer," authored more than forty works spanning historical novels, true‑crime stories and screenplays for film and television.
He passed away at the Villejuif hospital after a battle with cancer, according to his son, writer Julien Decoin. Julien said his father was still reading the upcoming literary season books days before his death and that he would be buried in Auderville, facing the sea he loved. The French culture minister, Catherine Pégard, sent condolences, highlighting Decoin’s humanity and dedication to literature.
Entities
Académie Goncourt · Didier Decoin · Henri Decoin · Julien Decoin · Prix Goncourt