France’s Cesar Award Winners Announced (Updating Live)
variety.comElsa Keslassy International CorrespondentFrance’s equivalent to the Oscars, the Cesar Awards, are taking place this evening in Paris.
Among the nominees, and in attendance, are “Annette” star Adam Driver and Cate Blanchett, who will receive the Honorary Cesar Award.The in-person ceremony is being hosted at the Olympia theater in Paris under tight COVID restrictions, as all guests have to wear a mask, be vaccinated and present a test dating from less than 24 hours.Driver is up for best actor for his performance as a tormented comedian opposite Marion Cotillard in Leos Carax’s drama musical “Annette.” Only two other American actors have been previously nominated at the Cesar Awards — Kristen Stewart for Olivier Assayas’ “Clouds of Sils Maria” and Adrien Brody for Roman Polanski’s Oscar-winning “The Pianist.” Both actors won, in 2015 and 2003, respectively.
This year’s top Cesar contenders include Xavier Giannoli’s period piece “Lost Illusions,” Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion-winning “Happening,” Catherine Corsini’s timely social drama “La fracture,” Valerie Lemercier’s Celine Dion film “Aline” and Cedric Jimenez’s action-packed cop drama “Bac Nord.”The crowded and unpredictable race also boasts Julia Ducournau’s Cannes winner “Titane,” Jacques Audiard’s contemporary love drama “Paris, 13th District,” Arthur Harari’s WW2-set “Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle” and Yann Gozlan’s thriller “Boite noire.”The Cesar Awards return after two consecutive years of record-low ratings and scandal-ridden editions.
Last year, actor Corine Masiero covered herself in fake blood and fully undressed in protest against the French government’s pandemic response.
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