The 36th edition of the Molières, a prestigious French theater award ceremony, is set to take place on April 28, 2025, with comedian Caroline Vigneaux returning as the host for the second consecutive year. This year’s event promises to shine a spotlight on the theater community and its contributions to the arts.
Vigneaux, who is also on tour with her new show In vigneaux veritas, has made headlines not just for her role as host but also for the poignant themes she addresses in her performances. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on hosting the Molières again, stating, "I realized many of my wishes last year, but it was a first time, and not everything was perfect; it was quite frustrating. With a second time, the advantage is that you know how it goes, where to put the energy, and where not to waste time." This reflects her eagerness to improve upon her previous experience and bring a fresh perspective to the ceremony.
Vigneaux's current show dives deep into her personal life, tackling heavy subjects such as the death of her father and her own experience as a rape survivor. She has decided to share these intimate stories on stage to help others who may be going through similar struggles. "In fact, I decided to talk about it to help others because people who will experience a violent bereavement like I did, I had to be hospitalized, and today I am better; I have learned to live with the absence of my father," she revealed during her appearance on the talk show C à vous.
Her message is powerful and clear: she aims to inspire survivors to reclaim their laughter and not allow aggressors to win. "To all survivors, it’s about saying, let’s come and talk about it… relearn to laugh to continue living," Vigneaux emphasized. This approach, while rooted in her personal pain, serves as a beacon of hope for many who have faced similar trauma.
Despite the significance of the Molières, the event has not been without its critics. Some voices in the theater community have questioned the relevance of the awards, but Vigneaux firmly believes that such criticism does little to benefit the arts. "I don’t find it very productive to attack the only evening that honors theater. Instead of boycotting it, we should celebrate it," she stated, highlighting the importance of supporting the arts even amidst disagreements.
On April 25, 2025, Vigneaux appeared on C à vous, where she was joined by fellow guests including Vassili Schneider, nominated for the Molière for Male Revelation, and Xavier Gallais, who is vying for the Molière for Actor in a Public Theater production. During the show, host Anne-Élisabeth Lemoine shared a personal anecdote about her long-standing connection with Gallais, revealing that they had performed together in an amateur theater troupe called La compagnie de la grange in Champagne-sur-Oise.
Lemoine fondly recalled their early days in theater, saying, "Xavier, we must tell the truth to the viewers; we know each other very well and have done theater together. It was with a troupe led by Claude Denis, a student of Charles Dullin." Gallais confirmed Lemoine’s story, reminiscing about their time together and praising her comedic talent, suggesting that it was never too late for her to return to the stage.
The special Molières segment on the show not only celebrated the nominees but also highlighted the camaraderie within the theater community, showcasing how past experiences can forge lasting connections. As the Molières approach, the excitement builds, with many anticipating a night filled with recognition and celebration of artistic excellence.
The Molières, often referred to as the French equivalent of the Tony Awards, have a rich history of honoring theatrical talent across various categories, including acting, directing, and production. This year, the ceremony promises to be particularly meaningful, as it not only recognizes outstanding achievements but also serves as a platform for discussions around important social issues, thanks to voices like Vigneaux’s.
As the date draws near, the theater community is abuzz with anticipation. Many are eager to see how Vigneaux will blend her humor with her heartfelt messages during the ceremony. With her unique perspective and dedication to addressing difficult topics, she is sure to leave a lasting impact on both the audience and the nominees.
In addition to the Molières segment, C à vous also featured discussions on pressing current events, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and a recent knife attack in Nantes, showcasing the show’s commitment to addressing both cultural and societal issues. Guests included political analyst Bernard Guetta and journalist Maxime Levy, further enriching the conversation around contemporary challenges.
As Caroline Vigneaux prepares to take the stage once more, her journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy stands as a testament to the healing power of laughter and the importance of community support in the arts. Her dedication to helping others while navigating her own grief and trauma is an inspiring reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
With the Molières just around the corner, audiences can expect a night that not only celebrates artistic talent but also fosters dialogue on critical issues facing society today. Vigneaux’s role as host will undoubtedly bring a blend of humor and heartfelt sincerity, making this year’s ceremony one for the books.
