Celebrating Richard Ford: Prix Fitzgerald Laureate 2025
Laureate of the 2025 Prix Fitzgerald Announced
CAP D’ANTIBES, France — During a remarkable event held at the historic Hôtel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins on the stunning French Riviera, the jury of the 2025 Prix Fitzgerald unveiled its latest laureate: renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ford. Ford was honored for his latest novel titled Be Mine (Le paradis des fous), published in France by Éditions de l’Olivier.
The Significance of the Prix Fitzgerald
The Prix Fitzgerald was established in 2011 by Marianne Estène-Chauvin, who serves as the President of the Francis Scott Fitzgerald Academy and owns the Belles Rives Group. This prestigious award is presented annually to a work of fiction that embodies the spirit and elegance associated with the literary legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
A Commemoration of Literary Heritage
This year marks a significant milestone in literary history, as it is the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Great Gatsby and also commemorates Fitzgerald's first experience in Juan-les-Pins in 1925. It was during this time that he and his wife, Zelda, moved into Villa Saint-Louis, which now serves as Hôtel Belles Rives. It is at this remarkable location, with a breathtaking view of the Cap d’Antibes, that Fitzgerald famously penned Tender Is the Night, laying the foundation for the Riviera's reputation as a haven for writers, artists, and exiles.
Recognition of Ford's Mastery
Ford’s novel Be Mine, which revisits the beloved character Frank Bascombe, has received widespread acclaim for its thoughtful exploration of themes such as aging, caregiving, and parenting within the contemporary American context. The jury highlighted Ford's ability to evoke the existential challenges of modern existence with a narrative style that resonates with Fitzgerald’s enduring legacy.
Ford's Gratitude and Reflections
Expressing his heartfelt appreciation, Ford stated, "My gratitude to the Prix Fitzgerald jury for their belief not just in my book but in books in general. We all stand on the shoulders of genius—and being here today at Hôtel Belles Rives, in the year we celebrate the centennial of The Great Gatsby, makes me believe it all possible." The ceremony was held on the terrace overlooking the picturesque peninsula and concluded with a delightful Riviera-style dinner at this iconic establishment.
A Celebration of Elegance and Emotion in Writing
Marianne Estène-Chauvin remarked on Ford’s remarkable storytelling: "Richard Ford’s Be Mine is a masterful—and rare—lesson in restraint, humanity, and emotional clarity. Ford dares to write quietly about the subtle pain of fading feelings, the dignity of ordinary lives, and fidelity as an elegant form of melancholy." She further explained how both Ford and Fitzgerald share a deep understanding of the silences, hesitations, and nuances in life that convey profound truths.
Joining the Esteemed Ranks
With this recognition, Ford joins an illustrious roster of past laureates, including Joyce Carol Oates (2024), Quentin Tarantino (2023), and many more celebrated authors who have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to literature. Special distinctions have also been awarded, notably the Gatsby Prize and the Zelda Prize.
The Process of Selection
Each year, an esteemed jury consisting of writers, journalists, and cultural figures, presided over by Bertrand de Saint Vincent, Deputy Director of Le Figaro, selects the recipient of the Prix Fitzgerald. Nominations are typically announced in March, with finalists chosen by mid-May ahead of the grand ceremony in June.
Cultural Significance of the Prix Fitzgerald
The Prix Fitzgerald stands out as a unique literary accolade on the global stage, celebrating not just literary excellence but also maintaining the vibrant spirit and lifestyle associated with the Jazz Age along the Riviera. Its significance is magnified this year as the world reflects on the impact of The Great Gatsby.
About Hôtel Belles Rives
Hôtel Belles Rives is a historic Art Deco hotel that graces the sparkling Mediterranean coastline. It is here that F. Scott Fitzgerald found inspiration and penned much of his work. Recently renovated, the hotel offers 43 elegant rooms and suites, alongside the Michelin-starred restaurant La Passagère, led by chef Aurélien Véquaud. Guests can enjoy an exquisite cocktail at Bar Fitzgerald and relax on the private beach featuring various amenities. The hotel continues to uphold its storied legacy under the guidance of the fourth generation of its proprietors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 2025 Prix Fitzgerald laureate?
The laureate for the 2025 Prix Fitzgerald is Richard Ford, recognized for his novel Be Mine.
What is the Prix Fitzgerald?
The Prix Fitzgerald is a prestigious literary award honoring works of fiction that embody the elegance and spirit of F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary legacy.
What was significant about this year's ceremony?
This year's ceremony marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Great Gatsby and Fitzgerald’s first stay in Juan-les-Pins.
What does Richard Ford's novel explore?
Ford's Be Mine reflects on themes of aging, caregiving, and the complexities of modern parenting in America.
What is Hôtel Belles Rives known for?
Hôtel Belles Rives is recognized for its historical significance, elegant Art Deco design, and as the place where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote Tender is the Night.
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