The 49th Cesar Awards nominations have been unveiled, with Thomas Cailley’s supernatural drama “The Animal Kingdom” and Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall” leading the pack with 12 and 11 nominations, respectively. These two films are set to compete for top honors, including best director and best film.
Cailley’s “The Animal Kingdom” stands out as an ambitious departure from France’s cinema tradition of social realism. The film, featuring Romain Duris and Paul Kircher (both nominated for Cesar Awards), weaves a narrative that combines elements of a creature-filled dystopia and a heartfelt father-and-son drama. The storyline delves into contemporary concerns about the future of humanity, making it a unique contender in the Cesar Awards race.
On the other hand, Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” has already gained acclaim by securing five Oscar nominations. Starring Sandra Hüller, the film tells the story of a novelist facing trial following the mysterious death of her husband at a remote chalet. With a pair of Golden Globes already under its belt, the movie is produced by Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, emphasizing its potential to make a significant impact at the Cesar Awards.
Joining the race for top honors are Jeanne Herry’s “All Your Faces” and Cédric Khan’s “The Goldman Case.” All Your Faces,” a film crafted by the collaboration of Hugo Selignac’s Chi-Fou-Mi and Alain Attal’s Les Films du Tresor, delves into the intricate dynamics between those who commit offenses and the individuals affected by them within the framework of a restorative justice plan.Meanwhile, “The Goldman Case,” based on the 1976 trial of radical criminal Pierre Goldman, addresses timely issues such as antisemitism, racial discrimination, and flaws in the judicial system. Arthur Harari, co-writer of “Anatomy of a Fall” and Triet’s partner, also stars in “The Goldman Case” and earns a nomination for his supporting role.
The Cesar Awards’ recognition of outstanding performances extends to the acting categories, with Marion Cotillard, Léa Drucker, Virginie Efira, Hafsia Herzi, and Sandra Hüller competing for the title of Best Actress. On the Best Actor front, Romain Duris, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Raphaël Quenard, and Arieh Worthalter will vie for the coveted award.
In the supporting categories, “All Your Faces” dominates the Best Supporting Actress nominations, with Leila Bekhti, Galatea Bellugi, Élodie Bouchez, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Miou Miou earning well-deserved spots. The Best Supporting Actor category features notable performances from Swann Arlaud, Anthony Bajon, Arthur Harari, Pio Marmaï, and Antoine Reinartz.
The Cesar Awards also recognize emerging talents with the Female and Male Revelation categories. Celeste Brunnquell, Kim Higelin, Suzanne Jouannet, Rebecca Marder, and Ella Rumpf contend for Female Revelation, while Julien Frison, Paul Kircher, Samuel Kircher, Milo Machado Graner, and Raphaël Quenard compete for Male Revelation.
The accolades extend to the creative minds behind the scenes, with nominations for Best Original Screenplay going to Justine Triet, Arthur Harari, Jean-Baptiste Durand, Jeanne Herry, Nathalie Hertzberg, Cédric Khan, Thomas Cailley, and Pauline Munier. Additionally, Best Adapted Screenplay nominations include works by Valérie Donzelli, Audrey Diwan, Vanessa Filho, and Catherine Breillat.
Honoring exceptional contributions to cinema, the Cesar Awards will present honorary awards to “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan and beloved French actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Agnes Jaoui during the upcoming ceremony at Olympia Concert Hall on Feb. 23.
As the anticipation builds for the 49th Cesar Awards, cinema enthusiasts await the revelation of the winners, ready to celebrate the outstanding achievements in French cinema over the past year.
In addition to the competitive categories, the 49th Cesar Awards will pay tribute to cinematic excellence with honorary awards for Christopher Nolan and Agnes Jaoui. Christopher Nolan, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in films like “Inception” and “Dunkirk,” will receive recognition alongside Agnes Jaoui, a revered figure in French cinema known for her versatile contributions as an actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker.
These honorary awards underscore the global impact of cinema, bridging international talents and showcasing the diversity of storytelling. The ceremony, scheduled at the iconic Olympia Concert Hall on Feb. 23, promises to be a momentous occasion where the industry’s luminaries and rising stars alike gather to celebrate the artistry and innovation that define French cinema. As the countdown to the event begins, cinephiles eagerly anticipate the unfolding of this cinematic spectacle that honors the past, present, and future of the vibrant French film industry.