2026 Translation Prize Finalists

We are delighted to announce this year’s Translation Prize finalists, honoring excellence in French-to-English translations for literary works in fiction and nonfiction published in 2025.

A jury of distinguished translators and literary professionals evaluates the Translation Prize submissions each year for technical, stylistic, and literary excellence. More than 75 literary works have been awarded the French-American Foundation’s Translation Prize since 1986. This unique program supports literary translation by keeping it a relevant and valuable element of the intellectual and cultural exchange between France and the United States. Literary translations give voice to authors beyond their native languages, bridging cultures and expanding readership. The French-American Foundation’s Translation Prize guides these important works of French literature to the American market.

This program was made possible through the generous support of the Florence Gould Foundation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors, our partners, and individual donors.

Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in New York City in June. 

FICTION

Kate Briggs, for her translation of Lili Is Crying by Hélène Bessette (New Directions Publishing)	Mark Polizzotti, for his translation of Nadja by André Breton (New York Review Books)
Charlotte Mandell, for her translation of The Deserters by Mathias Énard (New Directions Publishing)	& for his translation of The Emotions: A Novel by Jean-Philippe Toussaint (Other Press)
Alex Niemi, for her translation of The Endless Week by Laura Vazquez (Dorothy, a publishing project)	Aidan Rooney, for his translation of Cécé by Emmelie Prophéte (Archipelago Books)

NONFICTION

Ryan Bloom, for his translation of The Complete Notebooks by Albert Camus (University of Chicago Press)	Matt Reeck, for his translation of The Wound of the Name by Abdelkébir Khatibi (Northwestern University Press)
Lauren Elkin, for her translation of Knife-Woman by Marie-Laure Bernadac (Yale University Press)	Dylan Temel, for his translation of From Language to Language: The Hospitality of Translation by Souleymane Bachir Diagne (Other Press)
Catherine Khordoc, for her translation of Baldwin, Styron, and Me by Mélikah Abdelmoumen (Biblioasis)