The 50th César Awards ceremony took place on February 28, 2025, celebrating the best of French cinema at the esteemed Olympia theater. This year, the event was presided over by the iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve, marking the 50th edition of this prestigious awards show, which recognizes significant contributions and achievements within the French film industry.
Numerous films contended for top honors, with standout performances from films like Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, which led the nominations with fourteen. Other notable films included L’Amour ouf, nominated thirteen times, and Emilia Pérez, with twelve nominations. The evening started at 20:45 on Canal+, where audiences were invited to witness the gala celebrations.
The ceremony wasn’t just about awards; it also featured the presentation of two honorary César awards. Renowned actress Julia Roberts and acclaimed director Costa-Gavras received these prestigious accolades, honoring their substantial impact on global cinema.
Hosting the vibrant night was Jean-Pascal Zadi, who was joined on stage by prominent figures like Emmanuelle Béart, Alice Belaïdi, and Cécile de France. The mix of talent and glamour enhanced the atmosphere, making it one of the most anticipated evenings on the French cultural calendar.
For those tuning in, Canal+ offered exclusive access to the entire event, broadcasting it live for viewers at home. Viewers could enjoy the pre-show festivities starting from 19:45, where influencer Léna Situations conducted interviews with stars walking the red carpet, creating buzz and excitement leading up to the awards.
Aside from the live ceremony, Canal+ provided additional access to films nominated for the César awards through its subscription offers, including the Canal+ Ciné SÉRIES package. Currently, subscribers can find seven of these films already available for streaming, including the aforementioned Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, as well as Borgo, Un p’tit truc en plus, Le Roman de Jim, La Bête, La Zone d’intérêt, and Les Fantômes.
With ticket prices for attending the ceremony outside the reach of many fans, Canal+ has made it easier for everyone to participate from home. The network has appealed to younger audiences through its RAT+ Ciné SÉRIES package, featuring subscription options for those aged 18-25 at competitive prices. This ensures even the younger generation can experience the magic of the César awards.
The evening was filled with emotional and awe-inspiring moments, reflecting not only the winners of the night but also the collective admiration for French cinematic talent and storytelling. With films highlighting diverse stories and unique perspectives, this year’s nominees showcased the richness of contemporary French cinema.
Like every year, the César Awards ceremony not only honored films and performances from the previous year but also served as a significant cultural event, eleving and celebrating the art of film for millions of viewers. For cinephiles across France and beyond, tuning to Canal+ offered not just entertainment, but also insight and appreciation for the industry’s remarkable strides over the past year.
The response to the night was overwhelmingly positive, as many expressed their excitement on social media about the winning films and performances. With the Oscars just around the corner on March 2, the César Awards set the stage for the global celebration of cinema, putting French talent on the world map.
Whether viewers were cheering for their favorite films or discovering new gems through Canal’s extensive catalog, the 50th César Awards ceremony proved to be not only a celebration of film but also a gathering of individuals passionate about the power of storytelling.