Abou Sangaré has etched his name in film history by winning the César Award for Best Male Revelation at the 50th César ceremony held on February 28, 2025, at the Olympia in Paris. His remarkable performance as Souleymane Bagaré, a character drawn from his life experiences as a Guinean migrant, has earned him accolades and recognition at one of France's most prestigious film events.
Born on May 7, 2001, in Sinko, Guinea, Sangaré's life changed dramatically when he left his homeland at 15 years old, venturing to France to seek medical help for his mother. The arduous migration saw him traversing Mali, Algeria, Libya, and crossing the turbulent waters of the Mediterranean. Upon reaching Paris, he faced immense adversity, yet somehow found himself solace and opportunity when he settled in Amiens at the age of 16.
While initially eligible for status as an unaccompanied minor, he capitalized on the moment and enrolled in school, eventually graduating with professional qualifications as an automobile mechanic. He maintained this path whilst pursuing acting, having been discovered during an open casting call for the film "L'Histoire de Souleymane" directed by Boris Lojkine.
Despite the acclaim he received for his role and subsequent recognition at storied festivals—a win at the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes for Best Actor—Sangaré's residency status loomed over him as he faced three rejections for legal regularization and lived under the constant threat of expulsion. Just weeks before the César ceremony, on January 8, 2025, he finally secured his one-year residence permit thanks to the support of local associations and his promise of employment as a mechanic.
Upon accepting his César award, Sangaré revealed the emotional weight of his path, stating, "De 2017 à avril 2023, je n’avais plus de vie. Je me considérais plus comme un être humain" (For the years 2017 to April 2023, I had no life. I did not see myself as a human being). His heartfelt speech was not just about his individual achievements but also about the shared struggles faced by migrants across France.
The recognition of Sangaré’s efforts did not go unnoticed politically. It sparked discussions about the treatment of migrants within the French system, prompting reactions from politicians such as Ian Brossat, who remarked, "Voilà ceux que Bayrou insulte lorsqu’il parle de submersion migratoire" (Here are those whom Bayrou insults when he speaks of migratory submersion). This sentiment echoed among immigrant support groups and advocates who continue to fight for humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.
Indeed, this award stands as not only personal recognition for Sangaré but reflects broader social dialogues surrounding immigration. The director of Sangaré’s film, Boris Lojkine, emphasized the significance of this achievement, sharing, "C'est évident pour moi que c'est seulement quand il aura obtenu ses papiers que j'aurai l'impression d'avoir fini mon film… On va y arriver !" (It is clear to me, it is only when he has obtained his papers will I feel I have completed my film… We will get there!). This encapsulated the sentiment of hope for both Sangaré and others like him who navigate such challenging paths.
During his emotional acceptance of the César, he acknowledged the dedication of his friends and the local community who supported him throughout his struggles. He expressed gratitude not only for the award but also for the chance to finally feel part of "l'humanité" (humanity), reinforcing the notion of inclusion and acceptance within the culture he sought to join.
Looking forward, Abou Sangaré's aspirations are deeply rooted. While he acknowledges the chaotic nature of acting where opportunities can arise sporadically, he remains steadfastly focused on his dual career as both mechanic and actor. "Dans le cinéma, des fois tu travailles, et des fois tu ne travailles pas, donc je peux faire les deux en même temps" (Sometimes, you work in cinema, and sometimes you don't, so I can do both at the same time), he mentioned to Le Parisien encompassing his pragmatic approach to life.
His triumph at the César Award highlights not only his individual talent but also serves as a beacon of hope and representation for many who grapple with identity and acceptance within foreign lands. With steely resolve and buoyant optimism, Sangaré continues to pave his path, bringing forth dialogue about immigration and the plight of human dignity within the cinematic narrative and beyond.