César Award

France’s national film award, presented annually since 1976. Its prizes recognize achievements in French cinema and are voted on by film-industry professionals.

César Award for Best Film: The César awarded to the film judged best of the year by voting members. It is the ceremony’s leading prize for a feature film.
Georges Cravenne: A French publicist who founded the César Awards and helped create the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma. He initiated the awards as a new national film distinction.
Roman Polanski: A film director born in Poland who has worked extensively in French cinema. His repeated César wins, including Best Director in 2020, sparked public protest.
Timbuktu (2014 film): A drama directed by Abderrahmane Sissako about life under jihadist rule in Mali. Its Best Film win brought an internationally oriented Francophone work to the award’s center.
Lumières Award: A French film award presented by the international press association Académie des Lumières. It is another major French film prize, with voting by journalists rather than industry professionals.
César Award for Best Director: The César awarded for directing a film released during the eligibility year. It recognizes individual direction rather than a film’s overall achievement.
Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma: The French organization that administers the César Awards and represents professionals in the film industry. The academy was established to organize the award and its voting.
Isabelle Adjani: A French actress known for film and stage performances. Her record number of César wins for Best Actress marks a major award achievement.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire: A 2019 French romantic drama directed by Céline Sciamma. Its 2020 César nominations, without a win, fed debate about recognition of women filmmakers.
Magritte Award: Belgium’s national film award, presented by the Académie André Delvaux. It offers a neighboring national model for recognizing French-language cinema.

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