The 50th César Awards ceremony celebrated the pinnacle of French cinema at the Olympia Theatre in Paris on February 28, 2025, marking a landmark event not just for the showcased talents but also for the controversies surrounding them. The night turned out to be particularly spectacular for Jacques Audiard's musical film, Emilia Pérez, which swept the ceremony with seven awards, including the coveted titles of Best Film and Best Director.
Despite facing intense scrutiny and criticism back home in the United States due to its portrayal of Mexican culture and social media controversies stemming from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez shone brightly during the César ceremony, outperforming strong contenders such as The Count Of Monte Cristo and Beaten Hearts. Gascón, who had largely eschewed the awards circuit for weeks amid backlash over her past offensive posts—depreciatory comments involving Muslims, diversity, and social justice—emerged to grace the occasion. She didn’t take home any awards, yet her presence was significant considering the film's seven César wins.
Audiard, visibly emotional, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech after winning Best Director, joking, “It’s such a pleasure, though I fear you actually don’t like me.” He went on to express gratitude to his team, saying, “When I say my team, it’s not just ownership, but rather a declaration of love. The same goes for the actresses. My darling Zoe, my darling Carla, my darling Adriana…” emphasizing the strong bond formed during the making of the film.
Interestingly, the film's triumph at the César Awards arrived on the heels of declining chances for Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars, mostly due to the public relations issues linked to Gascón. Although its chances seem dimmed, some predict Emilia Pérez may still snag at least three awards, including Best International Film come Oscar night.
While Emilia Pérez topped the awards, the competition was fierce, with The Count of Monte Cristo, which led with 14 nominations, ending its night with only two wins for Best Costume and Best Set Design. Meanwhile, Beaten Hearts, which delighted audiences and critics alike, garnered wins for Best Supporting Actor for Alain Chabat but fell short of more significant accolades.
Another standout performer of the night was Boris Lojkine's Souleymane’s Story, clinching four awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Male Newcomer for Abou Sangare, who mirrored the struggles of immigrants through his role as a Guinean bike courier.
Julia Roberts made headlines during the ceremony as she received an honorary César, touching hearts with her heartfelt gratitude and humility. “It has been incredible. It has been many years where I’ve had the opportunity, every day, to experience my dream,” she expressed, showcasing her deep appreciation for her long career. She also honored French cinema, thanking fellow actress Catherine Deneuve for her contributions, stating, “Thank you for being born and making the world of movies a more beautiful place.” This tribute garnered her a standing ovation, highlighting her enduring legacy.
Overall, the César Awards this year presented not just a celebration of films but also a reflection of the dynamic narrative of French cinema, illustrating its diversity and vibrant storytelling. The accolades spread across genres, from mainstream blockbusters to poignant social commentaries, echoing the sentiment of César Academy's heads, Patrick Sobelman and Ariane Toscan Du Plantier, about the rich variety found within the nominations.
Indeed, the resilient spirit of cinema prevailed at the 50th César Awards, as both celebrated films and their creators navigated the complex interplay of art, culture, and the societal impact of their narratives, marking another chapter in the thriving history of French cinema.