The prestigious French Language Prize (Prix de la Langue Française) for 2012 was awarded to Greek-French writer Vassilis Alexakis. The prize rewards the work of a literary, artistic or scientific figure that has contributed significantly, through the style of his/her works or action, to showcasing the quality and beauty of the French language. In a congratulatory statement, the French Minister Delegate for Francophony, Yamina Benguigui, pays tribute to "this ardent supporter of the French language who has promoted his dual French and Greek culture" and whose works have demonstrated "that respect for multilingualism is a fundamental value."

Alexakis was born in Athens in 1943 and went to France at the age of 17 to study journalism in Lille, where he then worked as a cartoonist and a journalist. His work draws from both Greek and French culture, and writes in both languages. What is remarkable is that when Alexakis went to France, in the early 60s, he knew no French! Alexakis has also been shortlisted for the 2012 prix Goncourt for his book L’enfant grec.