‘Académie Française Welcomes ‘The Father’ Director: Florian Zeller Joins Elite Literary Circle’

Acclaimed playwright Florian Zeller, known for his Oscar-winning directorial debut “The Father” featuring Anthony Hopkins, has been inducted into the Académie Française. This esteemed French institution, established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, is renowned for its literary prestige.

Instituted during the flourishing era of Louis XIV, the Académie Française has been instrumental in defining French cultural identity. It meticulously maintains and updates aspects of the French language, including its grammar and expressions.

Known as the “immortals,” the 40 members of the Académie Française include distinguished writers, philosophers, and scientists, with past members like Victor Hugo and Jean Cocteau. At 46, Zeller is the second-youngest person to be elected to this prestigious group, following Edmond Rostand, who was 33 when he became a member in 1901.

Zeller is gearing up for his next film project, a psychological thriller titled “Bunker,” following his critically acclaimed “The Son” starring Hugh Jackman. Set to begin production in Spain, “Bunker” stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and features Stephen Graham. The narrative centers on an architect designing a controversial bunker for a tech mogul, and his wife who starts to reevaluate their 17-year marriage.

“The Father” and “The Son” are just two parts of a trilogy by Zeller that has received global acclaim, among his other twelve plays. The Paris-born author and filmmaker also heads Blue Morning Pictures, a part of Mediawan, alongside Federica Sainte-Rose. Zeller’s upcoming projects include producing “Alone Together,” directed by Ben Sharrock and starring Callum Turner and Adria Arjona.