Montreal author Dany Laferriere has been nominated for one of the highest honours in the French language.
L'Academie francaise has confirmed that Laferriere, along with Arthur Pauly and Jean-Claude Perrier, are the finalists to become one of 40 'immortals' responsible for being official authorities on the French language.
An election will be held on Dec. 12 to choose a replacement for Hector Bianciotti, who died last year.
The Academy was established in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu and tasked with maintaining the purity of the French language. It's official dictionary and its rulings are, however, not binding on anyone or any institution.
Members of the Academy, called the Immortals, hold their membership for life. Earlier this year Michael Edwards became the first Englishman elected to the post.
Born in Haiti in 1953, Laferriere has written two dozen novels and significant essays, including 'L'enigme du retour' which won the Medici prize in 2009. His first novel, How to make love to a negro without getting tired, was turned into a screenplay which earned a Genie nomination.
Laferriere also has an extensive career as a journalist and TV host.
