FRANCE: Paris hosted one of its most distinguished diplomatic and cultural gatherings on December 4, 2025, as the French Influence Awards were presented during a grand ceremony at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Personalities from politics, arts, science, business, and humanitarian fields were honored for their outstanding contributions to promoting France’s influence across the globe.
The awards were presided over by Princess Yasmine Murat, president of the French Influence association, who presented distinctions to eleven laureates during an evening held under the gilded salons of the Quai d’Orsay. The Grand Prix for French Influence was founded in 2009 by Senator Joëlle Garriaud-Maylam, now honorary president, who later entrusted the leadership to Princess Yasmine Murat, wife of Prince Joachim Murat, heir to the historic House of Murat.
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More than five hundred guests attended the ceremony, which was held under the high patronage of President Emmanuel Macron. Though First Lady Brigitte Macron has been a regular presence in previous years, she was unable to attend this edition due to the President’s official visit to China.
The evening was hosted by journalist Aude Lechrist under the auspices of Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, represented by Secretary General Anne-Marie Descôtes. The jury brought together twelve prominent figures from diverse sectors, including journalist Stéphane Bern, writer and diplomat Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Rungis Market president Stéphane Layani, academician Daniel Rondeau, and CNRS research director Dominique Wolton.
The 2025 laureates reflected the diversity and vitality of France’s global influence. Pastry chef Nina Metayer received the Gastronomic Influence Award, while Éric Duval, president of Duval Group, was honored with the Economic Influence Award. Decorator Jacques Garcia was awarded the Arts Influence distinction.
In science and humanitarian service, Carole Mathelin, president of the National Academy of Surgery, received the Scientific Influence Award, and Médecins du Monde, represented by its president Jean-François Corty, was recognized with the Humanitarian Influence Award. Pascal Morand, president of the Haute Couture and Fashion Federation, received the Honor Award. Filmmaker and former minister Yamina Benguigui was honored with the Francophonie Award.
Environmental efforts were highlighted with the recognition of Isabelle Pacchioni, co-founder of Puressentiel, who received the Environmental Influence Award. Rising motorsport talent Thomas Neubauer won the Sports Influence Award. The French Heritage Society received the Heritage Influence Award, while director Michel Hazanavicius was honored with the Cultural Influence Award for his cinematic contributions, including the Oscar-winning film The Artist.
In her address, Princess Yasmine Murat praised the laureates for embodying French excellence and for projecting France’s values far beyond its borders. She also подчеркed the symbolic importance of the venue, a historic seat of diplomacy where major international treaties have been signed for more than a century.
The 2025 edition of the French Influence Awards once again affirmed France’s commitment to celebrating those who shape its presence and prestige on the world stage through culture, science, humanitarian action, and innovation.
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