The 50th César Awards ceremony dazzled on February 28, 2025, at the Olympia, honoring the finest achievements of French cinema from the past year. President Catherine Deneuve presided over the star-studded night, which included emotional tributes and significant announcements.
Leading the charge was the musical crime thriller Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. The film took home seven awards from its twelve nominations, including the coveted Best Film award. Its success at the César Awards followed its recognition at Cannes, where it won the jury prize and shared the Best Actress award.
During the gala, Audiard expressed gratitude for the recognition: "This film reflects our hard work and commitment to telling compelling stories." The enchanting Karla Sofia Gascon and Zoe Saldana, both nominated for Best Actress for their roles, were present to celebrate with the team.
Best Actor was awarded to Karim Leklou for his role in Jim's Story, marking another highlight of the evening. The Best Actress award went to Hafsia Herzi for her powerful performance as a prison guard struggling with her past in Borgo. Accepting her award, Herzi shared heartfelt sentiments, stating, "I am very touched and moved. Stéphane, thank you for everything. This character was special, and it was a fantastic human adventure, regardless of the film's darker themes." Her honor marked her return to the César stage after nearly two decades since her initial win for La graine et le mulet.
The evening was not without its moving moments. Tributes were paid to the late Alain Delon and Michel Blanc, both towering figures of French cinema who passed away in 2024. To honor their legacy, the Academy ensured their contributions to film and culture were recognized, making for emotional reflections throughout the night.
Jean-Pascal Zadi, one of the hosts of the ceremony, noted the collaborative spirit of the award show this year: "I like this collegial format. It adds rhythm to the evening. We’ll joke around but also celebrate French cinema." Zadi, alongside other significant figures including Emmanuelle Béart and Cécile de France, ensured the event retained its lively energy.
Among the nominees for Best Supporting Actress, Anaïs Demoustier competed with her brother Stéphane Demoustier, who secured his own nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Borgo. Their family's shared presence at the award ceremony added another layer of intrigue to the evening. "It was great to support each other at such significant moments," Anaïs stated.
The atmosphere was glamorous, with A-list appearances from the likes of Julia Roberts, who was honored with the César d’honneur for her illustrious career. Roberts stunned the audience with her chic asymmetrical outfit, contributing to the evening’s overall elegance.
Not to be overshadowed, many other celebrities joined the celebration, showcasing the fashion-forward spirit of French cinema. From Lena Mahfouf’s couture interview attire to Adèle Exarchopoulos’s dazzling gown, the red carpet was alive with stunning looks.
While the focus was on celebration, the night served as a reminder of the changes and challenges within the cinema community. Themes around inclusion and representation were discussed, particularly pertaining to the controversies surrounding some nominated films.
The César Awards are voted upon by the members of the Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques, which oversees France’s equivalent of the Oscars and BAFTAS. This year’s ceremony was produced live and broadcast for free on Canal+, allowing fans access to the glamour and excitement of awards season.
Notably, The Count of Monte-Cristo, which dominated the nominations with fourteen nods, showcased both artistic excellence and popular appeal. Its narrative and adaptation drew respect from viewers and critics alike, marking another highlight of the French film calendar. Supported by stellar performances, the film’s direction and production design earned it awards for Best Costumes and Best Production Design.
Cedric Klapisch, serving as the artistic director for this anniversary edition, embraced the rich history of the Cesars. "We have to celebrate where we came from and where we are going, and tonight was about both," he stated during the event.
Overall, the 2025 César Awards provided both recognition and reflection within the French film industry. It celebrated achievements, honored the legacy of past giants, and aimed for inclusivity, heralding the future of cinematic storytelling.