César 2025: everything you need to know about an exceptional edition
The 50ᵉ César ceremony promises to be a highlight of French culture. Scheduled for February 28, 2025, it will take place at the prestigious Olympia in Paris, and promises an evening rich in emotion, presided over by Catherine Deneuve and directed by Cédric Klapisch.
Catherine Deneuve: an iconic president
To celebrate this anniversary, the Académie des César has chosen a key figure in French cinema, Catherine Deneuve, as its president. The actress, a true legend of the seventh art, made her mark on the history of the César awards with two victories for Le Dernier Métro (1981) and Indochine (1993). Yet Deneuve has an ambivalent relationship with the ceremony. She has often criticized its lack of transparency and diversity, declaring: “There are too many weirdos in the panel of voters”. This duality could make for an evening that is both elegant and provocative.
Julia Roberts, the international star
One of the most eagerly awaited moments will be the presentation of the honorary César to Julia Roberts, the iconic actress known for her roles in Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, which won her an Oscar in 2000. The American star is much-loved in France, and her presence promises an emotional ceremony. Many speculate as to who will present her with the trophy: George Clooney, her long-time screen partner, could be a plausible option.
Les Révélations des César 2025: the next generation of filmmakers
Every year, the César Awards spotlight new talent in the Best Emerging Talent categories . The list of 32 Revelations unveiled on November 13, 2024 is packed with promising names. This year, tandems are in the spotlight, with notable performances from Mallory Wanecque and Malik Frikah in L’Amour ouf, and Anna Diakhere Thiandoum and Ibrahima Mbaye in Ni Chaînes Ni Maîtres.
Some actors have made their mark at prestigious festivals: Erwan Kepoa Falé(Eat the Night) and Selma Alaoui(Quitter la nuit), seen at the Venice Film Festival 2024. Others, like Souheila Yacoub, already spotted in international productions such as Dune: Part II, are strengthening their presence with noteworthy performances.
A ceremony marked by absences and expectations
The 2025 Césars are part of a period of reflection for French cinema. Deneuve’s criticism and the debates surrounding the diversity of voters reflect the efforts needed to modernize this institution. In addition, the voting format, sometimes considered elitist, could evolve further to include a wider audience.
Musical performances, engaging speeches and tributes to the great figures of the cinema will punctuate the evening, which will be broadcast live on Canal+.
Join us on February 28, 2025 at the Olympia to celebrate this great festival of the seventh art.
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