The winner of Goncourt Armenia 2025 is the novel “The Names of Kings” by Lebanese writer Charif Majdalani
04/03/2026
French-speaking students in Armenia selected this year’s winning book through a jury composed of 35 students from three universities: Yerevan State University (YSU), Bryusov State University, and the French University in Armenia. The jury evaluated eight shortlisted authors selected by the Goncourt Academy.
The winning title, “The Names of Kings,” will be presented in Armenian by Newmag Publishing House at the Francofest 2026 festival of French books and arts.
The selection process followed an engaging format: an initial anonymous vote was followed by in-depth discussions among jury members around the dinner table. No winner emerged in the first round.
In the second round, Majdalani’s novel secured a majority of votes. During the announcement of the results, the author of the shortlisted book joined the jury via live chat and expressed a commitment to attend the Armenian presentation of the translated edition in October.
Goncourt Armenia is being held for the second time. The initiative is implemented by Newmag Publishing House in collaboration with the French Institute in Armenia, the French University in Armenia, and the French Embassy in Armenia.
Last year’s winner, “Jacaranda” by Gaël Faye, was also presented at Newmag Francofest and has already become a bestseller in Armenia.
The selection of the prestigious Goncourt Prize traditionally takes place in a convivial setting: members of the Goncourt Academy gather at the Parisian restaurant Drouant to choose the winner. Established in 1903, the prize is awarded annually to the best prose work written in French.
The international expansion of the Goncourt selection began in Poland in 1998. Today, students from 39 countries participate in the global initiative. Armenia joined the Goncourt network in 2024 during the Newmag Francofest festival.
The official launch of Goncourt Armenia was announced by Goncourt Academy member, writer and philosopher Pascal Bruckner, alongside Goncourt Academy chief delegate Françoise Rosino.
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