The 2025 César Awards marked its golden anniversary this year on February 28 at the iconic Olympia in Paris, where the elegance of French cinema shone brightly. This milestone celebration not only acknowledged the creative talents of filmmakers but also became a showcase of fashion, as celebrities flaunted their style on the red carpet.
Black was undeniably the predominant color of the night, with stars opting for sophisticated black ensembles, highlighting the evening's aura of glamour and subtlety. Julia Roberts, the renowned American actress, graced the ceremony dressed in a stunning black asymmetrical gown by designer Phoebe Philo, perfectly blending Hollywood allure with the event's prestigious vibe. Roberts was present to receive the César d'honneur, celebrating her illustrious career.
French actresses joined Roberts, each choosing to don elegant black dresses. Bérénice Béjo wore delicate black straps adorned with Tassaki jewelry, exuding both elegance and sophistication. Hafsia Herzi, nominated for Best Actress for her role in the film "Borgo," opted for a more voluminous outfit, adding to the night’s variety. Likewise, actress Ludivine Sagnier showcased her beauty in a graceful Céline gown, accessorized with eye-catching earrings from Pharrell Williams’ Tiffany collection. Notably, Cécile de France stood out from her fellow attendees, sporting a pristine white suit, embodying timeless charm.
The 50th César Awards promised excitement on multiple fronts, featuring leading contenders such as "Le Comte de Monte-Cristo," which garnered 14 nominations, followed closely by "L'Amour ouf" with 13, and "Emilia Pérez" receiving 12. Competing for attention were other noteworthy films like "L'Histoire de Souleymane" and "Miséricorde," both boasting eight nominations each, and "En Fanfare" with seven. The diverse mix of competing films ensured the night would be filled with anticipation for both attendees and viewers alike.
This year’s ceremony was presided over by the esteemed Catherine Deneuve, herself already awarded the César for Best Actress twice, including for her iconic role in the film "Indochine". Deneuve partnered with Cédric Klapisch as the director of the event, alongside co-hosts such as Jean-Pascal Zadi, Emmanuelle Béart, and Vincent Macaigne, all coming together to celebrate French cinema's rich legacy.
A particularly poignant moment unfolded during the red carpet interviews when renowned filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius was called upon by host Laurie Cholewa. Hazanavicius, whose animated film "La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises" was nominated for several awards, expressed his discomfort candidly. "Yes, it’s true, since this is the first time I’m making this type of film!" he sarcastically responded when introduced as a familiar face at the ceremony. Despite the festive environment, Hazanavicius shared how he was impacted by the political climate surrounding the events transpiring at the White House between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While the celebration began, his mind lingered on the gravity of international tensions, reflecting, "You play with millions of lives... you play with the Third World War, and what you're doing is highly disrespectful to the country." His emotional connection to such significant events, stemming from his experiences following the conflict in Ukraine, added depth to the evening's festivities.
Among those also honored was the celebrated director Costa-Gavras, who shared the stage with Roberts. Attending alongside such prominent figures only added to the evening's glitz, especially with such renowned stars present to acknowledge their milestone achievements.
The evening was also marked by distinct fashion statements from some of the most celebrated female figures of cinema. Leïla Bekhti made head-turning statements wearing a custom creation from Ami Paris, and Adèle Exarchopoulos dazzled attendees with a backless gown from Courrèges. The red carpet became its own show, providing plenty of style inspirations for future events.
Following the established trends of past ceremonies, the César Awards kept its focus squarely on recognizing the achievements of both established and rising stars. This year’s ceremony successfully highlighted the powerful contributions of women to cinema, even addressing the industry's evolution post-#MeToo, showcasing both progress and persisting challenges.
The 2025 César Awards emerged not only as a night of glamour and high style but also as a moment where political sentiments found their way through the glitz. Attendees were reminded of the realities outside the cinema, creating conversations embracing both art and activism.
Indeed, as the lights dimmed over the Olympia and attendees reveled in the evening's program, the essence of French cinema celebrated here transcended mere entertainment, sparking reflection, admiration, and aspirations for the future of film and social consciousness alike.