On February 28, 2025, French actor and director Alain Chabat received the coveted César award for Best Supporting Actor during the 50th César Awards held at the iconic Olympia. The ceremony, filled with laughter and nostalgia, recognized Chabat's outstanding performance as the father of Jackie, portrayed by Mallory Wanecque, in the film "L'Amour ouf," directed by Gilles Lellouche.
Chabat, who has been nominated multiple times throughout his career, expressed his emotions during his acceptance speech. Under the warm applause of the audience, he humorously pretended to search for his prepared remarks, which resulted in light-hearted moments. "I’m very, very touched. Sincerely, I’m very touched. Let’s collect ourselves. One minute to thank people. Luckily, I have prepared a little paper just in case..." he joked, prompting laughter from the audience.
The actor's comedic flair shone through as he rummaged through his pockets, creating what he dubbed "a little panic" amid his speech. This comedic chaos not only entertained the attendees but also highlighted Chabat’s genuine appreciation for the film's cast and crew. He managed to deliver heartfelt thanks to director Lellouche, naming each collaborator: "Thank you Adèle. Thank you to all my partners. Fortunately, they didn’t nominate Vincent, or he would have left us all behind with his stunning performance!" Chabat mentioned.
Reflecting on his award, he added with humor, "I don’t know where I’m going to put this trophy. Perhaps next to my first one in my office." This trophy marks Chabat’s second César, the first being for Best First Film for "Didier" back in 1998.
The 2025 César ceremony was not just about celebrating Chabat, but also showcased the significant contributions of the film "L'Amour ouf," which captured the hearts of many. Lellouche’s direction and the strong performances from the cast, particularly from Exarchopoulos and Wanecque, were part of what made the film stand out, winning the only César awarded to the movie during the event.
Throughout his speech, Chabat maintained a delightful balance of humor and genuine gratitude, clearly demonstrating his fondness for the film industry and the people he works with. "A big shout out to the crew, who are the first ones to arrive on set and the last ones to leave. They deserve recognition," he stated, acknowledging the behind-the-scenes talent.
The atmosphere during the ceremony remained uplifting and jovial, with Chabat’s antics leading to one of the most memorable speeches of the night. His comedic timing turned what could have been typical moments of acceptance speech protocol on their head, making it lively and relatable. His playful acknowledgment of the pressures of public speaking, lined with genuine gratitude toward his collaborators, was met with roars of laughter and applause.
Chabat's moment on stage was not only reflective of his personal achievement but also encapsulated the spirit of the ceremony, bringing together the broader French film community with shared laughter at both the comedy and the efforts behind the films celebrated during the evening. It was a night to honor cinema, creativity, and the remarkable relationships formed within the industry.
His remarks about his family also struck a tender chord. Chabat fondly thanked his wife, Tiara Comte, and his wonderful children, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships even amid professional accolades. His touching acknowledgment of his family's support added warmth to his speech and connected with many attendees on a personal level.
After years of working hard, being repeatedly nominated yet often passed over for other competitors, Chabat's win this year was seen as well-deserved. His engaging presence has made him one of France's most recognizable comedic talents, and this award serves as recognition of his contributions to the film industry. This victory symbolizes years of humor, dedication, and resilience.
The buzz around this César award has everyone talking about Chabat's future projects and what lies next for the actor and director. Many are eager to see if this win will propel him to new heights within French cinema.
With his delightful mix of humor, sincerity, and charm, Chabat not only won the César for Best Supporting Actor but also the hearts of many, reminding everyone at the ceremony—and the viewing public—of the importance of kindness, laughter, and family within the competitive world of cinema. It’s moments like these, where excellence and affability collide, which makes the César Awards not just glamorous, but memorable.