Hafsia Herzi Wins Alice Guy Prize for “La Petite Dernière”
Hafsia Herzi has been awarded the prestigious Prix Alice Guy 2026 for her film, La Petite Dernière. The announcement was made on February 25, 2026, recognizing Herzi’s significant contribution to French cinema.
Celebrating Female Filmmakers
The Prix Alice Guy, established in 2018 by Véronique Le Bris, honors the work and talent of female filmmakers, paying tribute to Alice Guy, a pioneer in the history of cinema [Source: dirprod.fr]. The award recognizes a French-produced film directed by a woman that has been released in theaters during the preceding year.
About La Petite Dernière
La Petite Dernière, Herzi’s third feature film, was selected from a pool of 105 eligible works, initially narrowed down to five finalists by public vote [Source: CNC]. The film, an adaptation of Fatima Daas’s novel, explores the experiences of a 17-year-classic girl navigating sexuality and societal pressures [Source: Télérama].
The Jury’s Decision
The 2026 jury, comprised of prominent figures in French cinema, included Lina Soualem (the 2025 Prix Alice Guy laureate), Thierry Klifa, Nathalie Azoulai, Louis Derungs, Damien Megherbi, and Laetitia Dosch [Source: CNC]. The jury praised La Petite Dernière as a “bold and necessary production” and affirmed Herzi’s central role in contemporary French cinema [Source: Le Figaro].
Previous Accolades and César Nominations
La Petite Dernière has already garnered significant recognition, including the Best Actress Award for Nadia Melliti at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the Queer Palm, and the Louis Delluc Prize. The film is also nominated in seven categories for the 2026 César Awards [Source: Télérama].
Support from the CNC
The film received support from the CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée) through various aid programs, including the Aide sélective franco-allemande, the Fonds Images de la diversité, and the Aide à la création de musique originale [Source: dirprod.fr].
Awards Ceremony
An official awards ceremony will be held at Max Linder Panoramain in Paris, featuring a tribute to Alice Guy and a screening of La Petite Dernière. The event is open to the public, offering an opportunity to meet Herzi and the jury members [Source: CNC].