Hafsia Herzi made headlines on February 28, 2025, when she clinched the prestigious César Award for Best Actress for her compelling performance as Mélissa, a prison guard, in the film "Borgo." This emotional and intense ceremony took place at the Olympia theater in Paris, marking another milestone in Herzi's flourishing career, which began with her breakout role over fifteen years ago.
"I am very touched and very moved (...) it was a great human adventure," said Herzi, reflecting on her experiences during the making of the film. Her portrayal of Mélissa, who becomes embroiled in the dark underworld after befriending one of the inmates, has been lauded for its depth and authenticity. This story is not merely fictional; it is based on real-life incidents surrounding the double murder at Bastia-Poretta Airport, providing gravity to Herzi's performance.
The film was directed by Stéphane Demoustier, who emphasized Herzi's unique ability to bring depth to the character. He stated, "For me, she was the only actress with enough depth to take on the role of Mélissa, who attempts to integrate herself within the complex social fabric of the Borgo prison system." Herzi's dedication to the role is evident, as she immersed herself by interacting with actual prison guards and inmates, stating, "I wanted to meet the profession; it was very moving."
Having garnered several accolades throughout her career, this award is Herzi’s second César, following her win for Best Promising Actress for her debut role in "La Graine et le Mulet" back in 2008. Herzi has continually sought out challenging roles, demonstrating her willingness to take risks. "It's really my thing to take risks, to try unexpected things," she remarked about her acting choices, highlighting her creative approach to her profession.
Among her competition at this year’s awards were notable actresses such as Adèle Exarchopoulos from "L'amour ouf," Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Hélène Vincent. This demonstrates the caliber of talent celebrated at the ceremony. Herzi's recognition not only reinforces her standing within the film community but also speaks to the impact of her narrative-driven performances.
The story of "Borgo" is anchored around the character Mélissa, who, at 32, finds herself involved with Saveriu, an inmate. The film explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the consequences of choices. This complex dynamic showcases Herzi’s extraordinary range as she navigates intense emotional terrains.
During the casting process, Herzi’s commitment was palpable, even leading her to claim she had experience as a dancer, which added depth to her auditions. She humorously recounted, "When I was asked to dance, I delved deep down the lie and did something crazy!" It was this audacity and willingness to engage fully with her characters which has defined her acting philosophy.
Before her success with "Borgo," Herzi lent her talents to various critically acclaimed projects, including her work with Abdellatif Kechiche, with whom she formed strong professional ties. Over the years, her filmography has expanded, encompassing impactful films like "Un homme et son chien" and "L'Apollonide: Souvenirs de la maison close," which allowed her to collaborate with numerous esteemed directors.
Returning to her directorial pursuits, Herzi also helmed her own film "Tu mérites un amour" and is currently working on adapting "La Petite Dernière," written by Fatima Daas. This project is particularly significant as it focuses on the story of a young Muslim woman coming to terms with her identity.
This latest award is more than just recognition; it symbolizes Herzi's growth and versatility as both actress and director—a celebration of her passion for storytelling and the human experience through cinema. Her heartfelt acceptance speech, where she expressed gratitude to the filmmakers and her family, encapsulated the essence of her career and the challenges she has faced.
Hafsia Herzi's victory at the César Awards for "Borgo" not only shines a spotlight on her incredible talent but also on the captivating narratives being told within French cinema. With each performance, she continually challenges the norms and evolves within the vibrant cinematic sphere, illustrating the power of resilience and the deep connections forged through art.
This César win is undoubtedly just another chapter for Herzi, as audiences eagerly await her future endeavors both on screen and behind the camera, firmly believing her best work is yet to come.