The 50th César Awards, celebrating the best in French cinema, took place on Friday evening, with Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' emerging as the big winner. The ceremony, held at L'Olympia in Paris and presided over by the iconic Catherine Deneuve, was dedicated to Ukraine, adding a poignant layer to the evening's celebrations.
A Night for 'Emilia Pérez'
Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' took home seven awards, solidifying its place as a critical and popular success. These included the coveted César for Best Film and Best Direction, marking a significant achievement for the film and its director. The film's sweep highlights the César's commitment to showcasing French auteur cinema that resonates with a mainstream audience.
“It's an honor to be recognized by the César Academy,” said Audiard in a statement released after the ceremony. “This film was a labor of love, and I am incredibly grateful to the cast and crew who brought it to life.”
Recognizing Emerging Talent and International Cinema
Beyond the triumph of 'Emilia Pérez', the Césars also celebrated emerging talent. Abou Sangaré and Maïwène Barthélémy were named as the breakthrough male and female talents, respectively, signaling a bright future for these rising stars. The César for Best First Film was awarded to 'Vingt dieux', recognizing the innovative spirit of new filmmakers.
The awards also acknowledged the power of international cinema, with 'La Zone d’intérêt' winning the award for Best Foreign Film. This recognition underscores the César's dedication to showcasing diverse cinematic voices from around the world.
Other Notable Wins
'The Story of Souleymane', directed by Boris Lojkine, also had a successful night, receiving four awards. Hafsia Herzi and Karim Leklou were honored as Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively, for their outstanding performances. While Artus's film, 'Un p'tit truc en plus' ('A Little Extra'), might have been underrepresented, the ceremony overall celebrated a wide range of films that have achieved box office success.
The 2025 César Awards proved to be a memorable evening, celebrating both established auteurs and emerging talents, while also acknowledging the importance of international cinema. The triumph of 'Emilia Pérez' will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of this 50th edition.