In what sense can the wind of revolt blowing over the Caesars influence the winners of this 45th edition? This is the big unknown in these César 2020s. Under pressure from feminist associations, part of the profession led by Adèle Haenel, will the 4,313 voters be tempted by a radical vote to show that the Academy is ready to modernize and get out of their comfort zone by crowning new themes, talents from diversity and the young guard of French cinema and new directors. It's also a story of smothering the fire that has been smoldering for long weeks.
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The twelve nominations of Ladj Ly for Les Misérables , tied with J'accuse de Polanski as the ten nominations of Céline Sciamma for Portrait of the young girl on fire open a avenue for them. Uncompromising portrait of a police blunder, exaltation of the female gaze or denunciation of abuses in the Church with Grâce à Dieu by François Ozon, several contenders for the statuette of the best film carry strong messages. Like Les Misérables , Roubaix, a light by Arnaud Desplechin evokes the vicious circle of misery and social violence, pointed out one of her actresses Sara Forestier.
Céline Sciamma: "We can't ignore the context"
On the red carpet where Canal + film journalist Laurent Weil dared not pronounce aloud the name of Roman Polanski or the word #MeToo, Céline Sciamma said nothing else: " This ceremony is special, we didn't not the luxury of ignoring the context. This year has been the biggest thriller for the Cesars for a long time . ” Adèle Haenel hit the nail on the head: “ It is important to be there. We are tense but happy to represent our cinema and our ideas ”. And to add " We must show that this movement exists. Faced with the counter movement, we want to show the vitality of the world, our vision is loving and leaves room for everyone ”
Read also: César: "To distinguish Polanski is to spit in the face of all the victims", according to Adèle Haenel
Designating Adèle Haenel as best actress for her performance in Portrait of the young girl on fire would also be a symbol. The actress, who already has two Caesars on her shelf, has become the icon of a hexagonal #MeToo since she accused director Christophe Ruggia in November of "repeated touching" when she was a teenager. However, the actress faces an ultra-competitive category, especially against her partner in the Sciamma film, Noémie Merlant who could divide the voices in her favor.
And it should be remembered that the electoral body of the Caesars is not equal, men are the majority. Some voters may have taken umbrage at the current pressures and choose to support the "plague victims" of the evening. Before being ostracized from the 7th art community, J'accuse was a favorite with 12 nominations in a category. A rain from Caesar for the historic drama would transform the Salle Pleyel into a real powder keg.
The ceremony could, once is not custom, appear concise. The J'accuse team has given up attending the gala. If she collects trophies, who will pick them up and dare to say thank you?
One less category
One category was even the direct collateral victim of the departure of Alain Terzian, the César of honor. The former president intended it for Jane Fonda who proved to be retained in Washington. His resignation did not allow him to find a replacement. Brad Pitt and Meryl Streep were reportedly approached but declined this distinction. It is the first year since the creation of the Césars that it will not be awarded. In addition, remitters have also become scarce.
Whatever the winners, from the spotlights off, the Caesars will really have to start their moult. As Nicolas Bedos sums it up, "healthy and nuanced discussions would be necessary". The interim president, Margaret Menegoz, and an extraordinary general assembly will be held on April 20 to adopt new statutes. In addition to the functioning of the Academy, there are many complaints, such as the petition signed by the # BlackCésars collective who regret a too white French cinema which confines its colored actors to "insignificant roles" .
The best first film section could mark the advent of awareness. Are in the running Ladj Ly, the French Senegalese Mati Diop for Atlantic who also dares the fantastic and the Algerian Mounia Medour for Papicha .
