Goncourt Prize 2026: the four finalist novels revealed, including those by Philippe Jaenada and Yannick Haenel

The four finalists for the Goncourt Prize, to be awarded on November 3, were announced on October 27. The nominated works are by Philippe Jaenada, Yannick Haenel, Sylvain Prudhomme, and Clémentine Mélois. Jaenada's and Haenel's books have been bestsellers, while Prudhomme's and Mélois's works received critical acclaim. Notably, the jury excluded works by Anne Godard and Sonia Devillers, and previously removed Thélyson Orélien's novel due to plagiarism allegations. All finalists are published by houses under the Madrigall group. The Goncourt Academy president, Philippe Claudel, will announce the winner at the Drouant restaurant in Paris, continuing a long-standing tradition. The jury consists of nine members this year, following the passing of Didier Decoin.