Abou Sangare, the 23-year-old actor who has captured the hearts of many, received the César award for Best Male Revelation at the 50th César ceremony held at the Olympia in Paris on February 28, 2025. Sangare's performance in L'Histoire de Souleymane, directed by Boris Lojkine, where he portrays the titular character, has been lauded for its emotional depth and authenticity.
His rewarding moment on stage was tinged with powerful reflection on his personal struggles, which he shared with the audience. "I no longer had a life. I lived among people just being with them. I did not see myself as a human being..." Sangare expressed, emphasizing the gravity of his past experiences as he sought asylum in France.
Born on May 7, 2001, in Sinko, Guinea, Sangare embarked on his arduous migration to France at just 15 years old, driven by the need to support his sick mother. He traversed Mali, Algeria, and Libya, crossed the Mediterranean Sea, and finally arrived in France on May 5, 2017. Throughout his early years as an immigrant, he faced numerous challenges, including homelessness and uncertainty surrounding his immigration status.
Upon his arrival, he had little knowledge of the country and found himself seeking help from strangers. Initially, he settled elsewhere until he eventually made his way to Amiens where he received support from local associations, pursuing education and working as a mechanic. Despite his hard work and determination, Sangare faced multiple rejections for residency.
Describing his role as Souleymane, he notes the importance of the story's message, "The subject of the film tells something I lived through. I had to learn the story to convey it authentically because it echoed my own life..." This way of forging connections between his character and reality showcases the film's raw narrative style.
Directed by Boris Lojkine, who emphasized the value of portraying more layered characters among migrant narratives, L'Histoire de Souleymane has gained significant recognition. Lojkine mentioned, "It is something should not happen, but it does... it’s the reward of those who worked hard to make an demanding film with meaning." Sangare's role sheds light on the daily struggles of undocumented workers, compelling audiences to engage with this relevant socio-political issue.
The film gained notable acclaim, presenting at the Cannes Film Festival under the section Un Certain Regard where it drew considerable audience interest. Sangare was awarded for Best Actor at the festival, marking the beginning of his transition from mechanic to actor.
With the film's success and increased visibility, Sangare’s immigration status began to change. After receiving notice on January 8, 2025, he obtained his residence permit, allowing him lawful status after years of being undocumented, which deeply impacted both his personal and professional life.
His emotional acceptance speech reflected this shift, stating gratefully, "Thank you for your integration within humanity," thanking his team and supporters who helped him navigate through these turbulent times.
Despite his initial aspirations to remain focused on being a mechanic, opportunities continued to flourish for Sangare, as he has now embraced dual careers. He has theatrical engagements lined up and continues to cultivate his newfound identity as both actor and mechanic.
All eyes are on Sangare as he navigates his promising career, where he has already received honors at the European Film Awards for Best European Actor, surpassing prominent actors like Daniel Craig and Ralph Fiennes.
Alongside his recent César win, the film stands as one of the dark horses of the César ceremony, garnering multiple nominations, including Best Film and Best Direction. Sangare shared the spotlight with fellow nominees, emphasizing unity and the compelling stories depicted through cinema.
Going forward, the future remains bright for Abou Sangare, whose narrative resonates powerfully as both performer and advocate for those facing similar struggles. With multiple platforms to share his and Souleymane's stories, he is poised to raise awareness of the challenges faced by migrants and the significance of their experiences being recognized and respected.
His story, much like the film, embodies hope, tremendous resilience, and determination reflecting the realities many face. Sangare inspires not only through his award-winning role but through the strength of his own life story, offering insight and support for the broader stories of those who endeavor for dignity and humanity against the odds.