Prix PhiloMonaco 2026: The Awards Celebrating Contemporary Philosophy Between Monaco and Paris

The Prix PhiloMonaco represent one of the most prestigious events dedicated to contemporary philosophy in the French language. Organized by the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, these awards honor each year works, authors, publishers, and young students who make a significant contribution to the development and dissemination of contemporary philosophical thought.

The 2026 edition confirms the central role of this event within the European cultural landscape, with a program taking place between Paris and the Principality of Monaco and involving some of the most respected personalities from the international philosophical and intellectual world.

Prix PhiloMonaco de l’Essai: the award for the best philosophical essay

The Prix PhiloMonaco de l’Essai rewards a philosophical work published in French during the calendar year preceding its attribution. The award is granted by a jury composed of philosophers, intellectuals, and leading figures from the contemporary cultural scene.

The purpose of the prize is to recognize a work distinguished by theoretical rigor, originality, and relevance, offering new perspectives on the major issues of our time. The awarded essay must go beyond the strictly academic or university framework without becoming a simple popularization text.

It is therefore a recognition reserved for works capable of combining philosophical depth with openness to contemporary public debate.

The 2026 Prix PhiloMonaco Jury

For 2026, the President of the Jury will be Robert Maggiori, a leading figure in French philosophical criticism.

Alongside him, the jury will include:

• Isabelle Alfandary
• Étienne Bimbenet
• Charlotte Casiraghi
• Catherine Chalier

• Denis Kambouchner
• Sandra Laugier
• Claire Marin
• Géraldine Muhlmann
• Corine Pelluchon
• Judith Revel
• Camille Riquier
• Patrick Savidan
• Raphael Zagury-Orly

This composition confirms the international prestige of the prize and the determination to maintain the highest standards in the selection process.

Prix PhiloMonaco de l’Éditeur: recognizing philosophy publishers

Among the most significant distinctions is also the Prix PhiloMonaco de l’Éditeur, awarded each year to a French-language publishing house that has particularly distinguished itself in publishing important philosophical works.

This prize highlights the essential role of publishers in spreading philosophical thought and promoting new authors and intellectual movements.

A selection of books from the awarded publishing house is then donated to the Médiathèque Caroline, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and the wider dissemination of knowledge.

Prix PhiloMonaco des Lycéens: giving space to young students

The Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco also pay special attention to younger generations through the Prix PhiloMonaco des Lycéens.

This prize is awarded to two high school students following a written competition organized in collaboration with the Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports and the philosophy teachers of the Principality.

The initiative aims to encourage critical thinking and philosophical dialogue among young people, strengthening the relationship between education and culture.

Prix de la Principauté: a lifetime achievement award in philosophy

The Prix de la Principauté is one of the most prestigious recognitions of the entire event. It is jointly awarded by the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco and the Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco.

The prize honors an author for the entirety of their philosophical work, recognizing a lifetime dedicated to writing and research in philosophy.

It celebrates thinkers who have opened new paths in science, politics, theology, history, anthropology, ethics, or psychoanalysis, making an original and lasting contribution to international intellectual debate.

The winner is also invited to deliver an official lecture in the year following the award ceremony.

Prix PhiloMonaco 2026 Calendar: dates and venues

The 2026 edition will take place between Paris and Monaco with three main events.

Paris – Maison de la Poésie

At the Maison de la Poésie, located at 157 Rue Saint-Martin, two major events of the program will be held:

Thursday, May 21, 2026 – 6:30 PM
Meeting with the five finalists of the Prix PhiloMonaco de l’Essai 2026, with a discussion presented by Laure Adler.

Friday, June 12, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Lecture by Souleymane Bachir Diagne, winner of the Prix de la Principauté 2024, in collaboration with the Fondation Prince Pierre.

Monaco – Théâtre Princesse Grace

The official award ceremony will take place at the Théâtre Princesse Grace, located at 12 Avenue d’Ostende.

Thursday, June 25, 2026 – 8:00 PM
Soirée de Remise des Prix 2026, the grand closing evening dedicated to announcing the winners.

Why Prix PhiloMonaco is an international reference

The Prix PhiloMonaco are not simply literary or academic awards: they represent a cultural laboratory placing philosophy at the center of contemporary life.

Through essays, publishers, students, and major authors, the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco create each year a space for reflection capable of connecting theoretical thought with the major issues of the present.

An event that continues to strengthen Monaco as one of the leading international centers of European philosophical dialogue.