Festivals - FCAD 2024 : Nathan Hill Wins the Prestigious Prix Littéraire Lucien-Barrière for Bien-être

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 11 september 2024

The 50th edition of the Deauville American Film Festival not only captivated audiences with its diverse and dynamic film lineup but also underscored the importance of literature with the awarding of the Prix Littéraire Lucien-Barrière. This year, the prestigious literary award was granted to Nathan Hill for his novel Bien-être, published by Gallimard and translated from English by Nathalie Bru. Hill, an American author renowned for his introspective storytelling, made a strong impression with this novel, which delves deep into themes of wellness, societal pressure, and the search for personal meaning.

The Prix Littéraire Lucien-Barrière, which has been a cornerstone of the Deauville Festival since its inception, highlights works of fiction that engage with themes related to American culture and experiences. This year, the jury comprised of notable journalists and writers such as François Armanet, Ariane Bois, Colombe Schneck, Éric Neuhoff, and Tiffany Gassouk was tasked with selecting a winner from an array of compelling works. After careful deliberation, Bien-être was chosen for its insightful exploration of modern existential anxieties, and how society's obsession with wellness can often obscure more profound personal struggles.

Nathan Hill's Bien-être taps into the zeitgeist, discussing not only the wellness industry but also our collective pursuit of happiness in an increasingly digital and consumer-driven age. The novel examines the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on how individuals confront their inner turmoil while navigating external societal expectations. This resonated with both the jury and the audience, marking Hill as an important voice in contemporary American literature.

Nathan Hill was present in Deauville to accept the award, participating in various panels and discussions, which allowed festival-goers a chance to gain insight into his creative process and the inspirations behind his work. During his speeches and interviews, Hill spoke about the cultural and emotional drivers that led to the writing of Bien-être, emphasizing his interest in how personal identity and wellness intersect in the modern world.

This year’s literary prize has once again confirmed Deauville’s commitment to celebrating cultural exchanges between the United States and France, bridging both cinema and literature. The festival, traditionally known for showcasing the best of American cinema, also gives a platform to literary works that challenge, provoke, and reflect on American societal themes. The Prix Littéraire Lucien-Barrière thus adds a rich layer to the festival's offerings, fostering dialogue not only around films but also about the written word and its power to shape perceptions of the American experience.

The recognition of Bien-être further elevates Nathan Hill’s standing in the literary world, with the novel already garnering critical acclaim for its fresh perspective on contemporary life. With this award, Hill joins an illustrious list of past recipients, and his work continues to spark important conversations on identity, well-being, and the human condition in an increasingly complex world.

The Deauville American Film Festival’s unique combination of literary and cinematic exploration reaffirms its position as a cultural hub for both art forms. As audiences continue to reflect on the cinematic and literary works presented this year, the impact of Hill’s novel is sure to resonate well beyond the festival’s conclusion.

You can discover our exclusive photos from the screening and the Q&A on our Flickr page

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville