Makenzy Orcel has won the American version of the Prix Goncourt for his novel "Une somme humaine" published in 2022 by Payot and Rivages. The news was announced on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Villa Albertine of the French Embassy in Manhattan during a ceremony where French screenwriter and novelist Anne Bersest presented the award to Orcel, surrounded by students from Columbia, Duke, Harvard, MIT, New York University, Princeton, University of Virginia, and Yale.

The cultural world in Haiti rejoiced at the news at a time when the country is going through its most tragic hours in its history. "Une somme humaine" is recognized as the most prestigious French literary prize, awarded by French-speaking students from universities in the United States. "This prize has become international with 'Prix Goncourt' selections in 35 countries that are judged by students of French and Francophone literature."