François Cheng

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

François Cheng's career is marked by historic firsts and profound contributions to literature. As the first Asian-born member of the Académie Française, he broke a barrier that had stood for centuries. His novel Le Dit de Tianyi won the Prix Femina, one of France's most prestigious literary awards, and his essays on Chinese art have reshaped how Western audiences understand Chinese aesthetics. His work has been translated into over twenty languages, earning him a global readership. Cheng's ability to synthesize Eastern and Western thought is unparalleled, and his legacy as a cultural bridge is secure.

AwardsFrançois Cheng has received numerous prestigious awards for his literary work. He won the Prix Femina in 1998 for his novel Le Dit de Tianyi. In 2002, he was elected to the Académie Française, one of the highest honors in French letters. He has also been decorated with the Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit in 2025.

Honours & Distinctions

Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit

French Republic·2025

Elevated for his contributions as a writer.

Member of the Académie Française

Académie Française·2002

First person of Asian origin elected to the institution.

Records & Feats

First Asian-born member of the Académie Française

Historic First·2002

Elected in 2002, becoming the first person of Asian origin to be admitted to the prestigious French institution.