The Académie Goncourt is a prestigious French literary institution founded in 1900. It is best known for awarding the Prix Goncourt, one of the most coveted literary prizes in France. The academy consists of ten members, known as "les Goncourt," who are responsible for selecting the winner each year. The prize is awarded to an author for a work of fiction published in the previous year. Winning the Prix Goncourt can significantly boost an author's visibility and sales, making it a highly sought-after accolade in the French literary world.