The film Anatomy of a Fall, by Justine Triet, was the big winner of the 49th César ceremony, which was held at the Olympia on the evening of Friday February 23. The director became the second woman to win the award for best director, after Tonie Marshall in 2000. The feature film also won the César for best film, best actress (Sandra Hüller), and best actor in a supporting role. (Swann Arlaud), for best original screenplay and best editing.
“I would like to dedicate this César to all women, those who feel stuck in their choices, in their solitude, those who exist too much and those who do not exist enough, those who succeed and those who fail, and finally those who were hurt and who freed themselves by speaking. And to those who can’t do it,” said the director when receiving the award for best film, extending a message for gender equality and against sexist and sexual violence which marked several highlights of the ceremony.
Two weeks after Le Monde’s investigation into the controlling relationship exercised by director Benoît Jacquot over Judith Godrèche, then aged 14, the actress gave a short speech during the ceremony. “For some time now, words have been loosened, the image of our idealized peers is being tarnished, power seems almost to be swaying,” declared Ms. Godrèche, before continuing: Would it be possible that we could look the truth in the face? Taking responsibility? To be the actors, the actresses of a universe that questions itself? For some time now, I have been talking, I have been talking, but I can’t hear you, or barely. Where are you ? What do you say ? »
In terms of awards, behind Anatomy of a Fall, The Animal Kingdom, directed by Thomas Cailley, leaves with five technical awards. Arieh Worthalter won the César for best actor for his role in The Goldman Trial – this is the only award for this feature film. The César for best foreign film was awarded to Simple comme Sylvain, directed by Monia Chokri. “I’m sorry, Mr. Nolan,” the director said when arriving at the podium, in reference to director Christopher Nolan, who was awarded an honorary César. Agnès Jaoui also received an honorary César.
Find the list of nominees by category, with mention of the winners
Best film
Best achievement
Best actress
Best actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best female revelation
Best male revelation
Best foreign film
Best first film
Best Animated Film
Best documentary film
Best Original Screenplay
Best adaptation
Best Original Music
Best sound
Best photo
Best editing
Best costumes
Best decors
Best visual effects
Best Animated Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best short fiction film