Paris, November 6 – The french Academy today announced the election of two new members: playwright and novelist Florian Zeller, 46, and film critic Éric Neuhoff, 69. The appointments fill vacancies left by the passing of historian Hélène Carrère d’Encausse and senior civil servant Gabriel de Broglie, bringing the total number of “immortals” to 35 of a possible 40.
Founded in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, the Académie française is the official body responsible for regulating the French language. Its members, known as “immortals,” are tasked with maintaining the purity and eloquence of the language, authoring a dictionary, and establishing spelling rules. The election of Zeller and Neuhoff signals a continuation of this tradition, adding contemporary voices to an institution steeped in history.Zeller succeeds Carrère d’Encausse, who died August 5, 2023, while Neuhoff replaces de Broglie, who passed away January 8, 2025.
Zeller, author of acclaimed plays The Father, The Mother, and The Son – several of which he adapted for film - secured his position in the first round with 23 votes. He has also published five novels, including Artificial Snow and enjoyment. Neuhoff, a longtime film critic for Le figaro, was elected with 12 votes, adding his voice to the Academy after a career marked by novels such as Cotton Candy, The little French Girl, and A Crazy Good.
Four additional seats remain vacant within the Academy, including one previously held by Jean-Denis Bredin, with announcements regarding those vacancies pending. New academicians traditionally receive a sword and a coat of dark blue or black cloth embroidered with green and gold olive branches as symbols of their office.
