The 50th César Awards: A Night of Cinema, Politics, and Unexpected Triumphs
The 50th César Awards unfolded as a vibrant celebration of French cinema, marked by a surprising array of winners and the crowning of "Emilia Pérez" as Best Film, a choice seen as a powerful statement in itself. More than in previous years, the acceptance speeches resonated with a palpable sense of gravity, addressing a multitude of pressing current issues that painted a less-than-rosy picture of the world.
The evening’s political undertones were evident from the start. A prominent pin displaying the colors of the Ukrainian flag was a silent yet potent symbol, especially poignant given the recent discord between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Catherine Deneuve, a cinematic icon who has historically held a somewhat distant relationship with the Césars, opened the ceremony with a simple yet impactful "Happy Anniversary."
"It is both an honor and a duty to be here tonight," Deneuve explained, signaling a shift in her perspective. She shared cherished memories, paying tribute to her sister, Françoise Dorléac, who paved the way for her career. She also expressed her gratitude to François Truffaut, acknowledging the César he bestowed upon her in 1981 for "Le Dernier Métro," and to Georges Cravenne, the visionary behind the ceremony itself. "I love cinema very much, and there are many women directing today, women I love and admire," she declared before dedicating the 50th anniversary ceremony to Ukraine, a gesture met with enthusiastic applause.
One of the most moving moments of the night came with the recognition of the Guinean actor Mamadou Kouyaté, a 23-year-old who, until recently, lacked official documentation. He had already garnered the Best Actor award at the European Film Awards, and now, while working in a garage in Picardy, he received the prestigious César for Best Newcomer for his role in "L’Histoire de Souleymane."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Kouyaté expressed his gratitude to the Academy for the "magnificent organization" of the event. He addressed his director, Boris Lojkine, directly: "From 2017 to 2023, I did not consider myself a human being. Before crossing the Mediterranean, I experienced misery, the best, and the worst of humanity. I was in a prison [of the soul] until I met Boris and his team. Thank you for reintegrating me into humanity." His heartfelt words were met with a standing ovation. He also acknowledged the precariousness of his situation, mentioning that he had been under an expulsion order (OQTF) until earlier in the year. "I salute my friends in Amiens who have supported me since 2017 and my company that encouraged me. Without them, I would not have stayed in Amiens and I would not be here today," he concluded, his voice rushed as the music urged him to wrap up.
Jonathan Glazer, the recipient of the César for Best Foreign Film for "The Zone of Interest," was unable to attend but delivered a powerful message that addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "The fact that so many people have come to see our film is extraordinary. The fact that it is so relevant is alarming. Today, the Holocaust and Jewish security are being used to justify massacres and ethnic cleansing in Gaza after the massacres of October 7th and the hostage-taking in Israel. These are, in both cases, acts of terror against innocent people, made possible by the dehumanization of people, people who are on the other side of our walls. This is the zone of interest." His statement resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with resounding applause.
The legendary director Costa-Gavras, honored with a Lifetime Achievement César, captivated the audience as he recounted his early days in cinema on the stage of the Olympia. The 92-year-old director thanked "this welcoming, humanist France, which refuses all dictatorships and all hatreds, this resistant France, in solidarity with all and with all the cinemas of the world, and which welcomes all the films of the world." He concluded his speech with a somber reminder of an attack that had taken place on February 16th at a center for immigrant workers in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, where a screening of his film "Z" had been organized by leftist youth groups. "Can France accept such acts?" he questioned, leaving the audience to grapple with the implications of such violence.
Gilles Perret, the director who received the César for Best Documentary, dedicated his award to "all those who struggle to live from their work." He added, "I am thinking of schools, hospitals, all the structures that help us to form society. I want to make the invisible visible in a country where leaders prefer to ally themselves with fascist forces, where the media prefer to hold out the microphone to billionaires. We heard this little music in the 1930s with the arrival of Hitler. In the world of cinema, we film and look away," the winner declared in a highly political speech.
Vincent Macaigne, known for his theatrical presence, took a different approach, acknowledging the pervasive sense of unease in the world. "I am not going to say anything about the state of the world, the wars everywhere in the world, this nauseating feeling of the end of democracy here and there. I was told that I have to be positive and give comfort. I thought of sugar, but it causes cancer. The sun, but it is very associated with global warming. Celebrate fiction, the theater, this first step of humanity towards democracy. Applaud to chase away the ghosts and celebrate a better future," he declared.
The ceremony also paid tribute to actors who had passed away during the year. Following a montage of his iconic films, including "Les Bronzés," Josiane Balasko and Thierry Lhermitte took to the stage to remember their longtime colleague. "Oh, damn, what an actor," Balasko exclaimed. "He was always the first to leave, he stopped working with us first. And he left first."
Balasko also used her platform to address Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture. "There is always an annoying person who will talk to the Minister of Culture, well, that’s me," she explained. "Nothing personal, but at a time when Trump wants to block all forms of aid in cinema, it is vital that a Europe of culture be created."
Jean-Pascal Zadi brought levity to the proceedings by announcing the creation of a humorous category for the "Best Losers," with Franck Dubosc being declared the winner. "I have a thought for my comrades who, like me, have never had a César. I have a thought for my wife, who tells me it’s not the size that counts," the comedian joked as he brandished a mini-César. "I am thinking of Jacques Audiard who never hired me, of those who in my entourage prefer to remain in the shadows." He added self-deprecatingly, "I must remind you that I have made comedies that were not very funny." He then compared himself to George Clooney and Pierre Niney, quipping, "You see George Clooney and Pierre Niney, I am right in the middle." Concluding his comedic bit, he stated, "This year, it’s the grand slam, no Oscar, no prize at Cannes, but I plan to compete for the mini-bear in Berlin. I’m not taking any risks in telling you that next year I will be in the same category," delivering one of the most memorable sketches of the evening.
Pierre Niney, nominated for Best Actor, showcased his camaraderie by wearing socks embroidered with the faces of his fellow nominees, Benjamin Lavernhe and François Civil. "We had a debriefing evening [last night], an evening where we hugged," the actor shared. "We started theater classes together. I was at the Comédie Française with Benjamin, so I am paying him a little tribute tonight." "I offered them pairs, we’ll see if they are real friends," he joked.
Jean-Pascal Zadi, known for his energetic stage presence, made a memorable entrance accompanied by music, eliciting laughter from Julia Roberts. "At the BTS level, what a success, it’s incredible," he exclaimed, referencing his educational background. He then transitioned into a dance, celebrating his newfound recognition. He also extended his congratulations to the nominees of "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo," "L’Amour ouf," and "Emilia Pérez," allowing himself a risque joke directed at the latter: "Best Director, Best Film, Best Tweet."
Later in the evening, Zadi returned to Julia Roberts, inviting her to relocate to France, which he presented as "a welcoming land for political refugees." He even offered her guidance on using public transportation, quipping, "Abdou Sanguaré will show you the way, it’s the RER A […] I imagine Julia Roberts saying ‘Chatelet please.’"
The 50th César Awards was a complex and multifaceted event, seamlessly blending the glamour of cinema with the weight of contemporary issues. It was a night of celebration, reflection, and a clear demonstration of the power of film to spark dialogue and inspire change. The victory of "Emilia Pérez" and the poignant speeches delivered throughout the evening served as a powerful reminder of the role that art can play in shaping perspectives and fostering a more just and compassionate world.
