Adèle Exarchopoulos and François Civil made headlines during the 50th César Awards held on February 28, 2025, at the Olympia in Paris. The much-anticipated appearance marked the couple's first public display of affection since rumors of their relationship began circulating. These talented actors were nominated for major awards at this prestigious event, which added excitement to their joint appearance.
The pair was nominated for their performances in the film L'Amour ouf, directed by Gilles Lellouche. Exarchopoulos was nominated for Best Actress, and Civil for Best Actor. Their dual nominations highlighted not only their individual talents but also their compelling chemistry on-screen.
While they previously co-starred in the film BAC Nord back in 2021, their romantic relationship reportedly blossomed during the filming of L'Amour ouf. According to sources, they grew closer after portraying the passionate couple Jackie and Clotaire, which corroborated with insights from Paris Match: "C'était un secret de polichinelle." Their bond strengthened as they immersed themselves deeply in their roles.
On the red carpet, the duo undeniably stole the spotlight. Civil sported a sophisticated black suit, and Exarchopoulos dazzled the crowd with her elegant black strapless gown, which featured daring cutouts. Their gestures of tenderness and mutual smiles reflected their deep connection, captivating the audience and photographers alike. This marked not only recognition of their professional achievements but also their personal milestone.
The ceremony itself was filled with excitement as it commemorated not just the awards but the relationship coming to light. Exarchopoulos, who has received multiple César awards, including Best Emerging Actress for La Vie d'Adèle and Best Supporting Actress for Je verrai toujours vos visages, exhibited both confidence and radiant joy as she celebrated this special occasion with Civil.
Despite their newfound public affection, the couple had maintained discretion about their relationship prior to the ceremony. Over the past year, Exarchopoulos, who is also the mother of her son Ismaël from her previous relationship, had taken time to heal from past experiences as she embraced this new love. A former co-star mentioned, "Adèle est une grande amoureuse. Et quand elle aime, elle y va à fond. Mais cette fois, elle a pris son temps pour accepter cet amour, pour le laisser exister." This sentiment reflects Exarchopoulos’s careful approach to her romantic life.
During the awards event, the chemistry between Exarchopoulos and Civil was palpable, and it left many wondering about the nature of their connection prior to this reveal. While both have enjoyed significant success and separate careers, it seems clear they have chosen to nurture this relationship away from the media's relentless gaze.
Their love story appears to have shifted from earlier uncertainties — it wasn't until they embraced their feelings post-filming of L'Amour ouf during the fall of 2024, according to sources close to the couple. Another insider confirmed, "C’était un secret de polichinelle," indicating the awareness of their connection even before the official announcement.
Distinct from the traditional norms of relationships, both actors have opted to maintain separate living arrangements. This decision seems to stem from Exarchopoulos’s desire to protect her child’s life and establish stability, as well as both actors' busy schedules requiring frequent travel. Their choice exemplifies how contemporary couples can create space for independence and personal growth within relationships.
This progressive view on romance emerges clearly from Exarchopoulos's recent reflections, where she shared her vision of love: she seeks to cultivate healthy relationships rooted in friendship, complicity, and mutual respect. She articulated, "C'est un amour sain. Celui où il y a de l'amitié, où on passe les épreuves en essayant de toujours avoir de l'autodérision et de la complicité. C'est l'amour où tu sais quitter l'autre quand c'est vraiment maléfique."
With their relationship officially unveiled, all eyes will be on the dynamic duo as they continue to navigate both personal and professional aspects of life together. L'Amour ouf has achieved significant acclaim, capturing nearly five million admissions, but it may also signal the beginning of many shared projects with Exarchopoulos and Civil at the forefront of French cinema.
This year's César Awards won't just be remembered for its awards but also for the heartfelt celebration of love as Exarchopoulos and Civil took the leap from discreet courtship to public adoration. Their appearance confirms they have found not only success on screen but also personal happiness off of it.