A French literature professor is accused of running a yearslong hoax in which he invented a Nobel style prize, convinced academics and institutions to pay for it, and handed out awards that carried no real prestige. Florent Montaclair, a professor at the University of Franche Comte in eastern France, allegedly created the so-called “Nobel Art Prize” and collected fees from winners who believed they were receiving a legitimate international honor.
A prize that looked real but was entirely made up
Montaclair is said to have launched the fake prize around 2020. He set up a website, created official looking documents, and sent emails to scholars and artists around the world inviting them to apply or be nominated. The prize carried a name that sounded like a genuine Nobel category, and many recipients added it to their CVs and biographies. Some paid application or processing fees. The hoax went undetected for years because the prize appeared credible on the surface.
How the scheme unraveled
The fraud came to light when a French journalist began investigating after receiving a tip. The reporter found that the prize had no connection to the Nobel Foundation, no independent jury, and no real funding. Montaclair allegedly operated the entire operation himself or with a small circle. University officials in France said they were shocked. Local academics expressed embarrassment and anger, especially those who had promoted the prize or congratulated colleagues who had won it.
Why this matters in France and beyond
For the academic community in France, the hoax exposed how easily prestige can be manufactured online. Many scholars had listed the fake prize in their professional profiles without verifying its legitimacy. The case has prompted calls for stricter vetting of awards and honors. Montaclair has not commented publicly. The university has opened an internal inquiry. The affair has left many wondering how many other fake prizes might still be circulating unnoticed.
