Top Contenders and Overview
Following the recent announcement of Oscar nominations, the French cinematic community gears up for the César Awards, with Thomas Cailley’s “The Animal Kingdom” leading the pack with an impressive 12 nominations. The film, a blend of fantasy dystopia and father-and-son drama, has secured nods in key categories such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Synopsis of ‘The Animal Kingdom’
Set in a world grappling with mutations that gradually transform humans into animals, the narrative follows François (Romain Duris) on a poignant journey to save his wife, Julia (Adèle Exarchopoulos). As the mysterious condition unfolds, some creatures retreat into a nearby forest, prompting François and their teenage son Émile (Paul Kircher) to embark on a life-altering quest.
Recognition for Thomas Cailley
“The Animal Kingdom” marks director Thomas Cailley’s second feature film, succeeding his award-winning debut “Les Combattants” in 2014. Cailley recently received the Lumière Award for Best Director, akin to France’s Golden Globes.
Runners-up and Expectations
Justine Triet’s Oscar-nominated “Anatomy Of A Fall” secures the second spot with 11 César nominations. Notable contenders include Jeanne Herry’s “Je verrai toujours vos visages” with nine nods and “Le procès Goldman,” which earned eight nominations.
Record-Breaking Supporting Actress Category
A noteworthy record emerges in the Best Supporting Actress category, where four out of the five nominees hail from “Je verrai toujours vos visages”: Leila Bekhti, Elodie Bouchez, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Miou Miou.
Special Categories and Honorees
The César Awards introduce categories like Best Debut Film, featuring notable works like “Vincent doit mourir” (Vincent Must Die). The Best Foreign Film category includes selections such as Marco Bellocchio’s “Rapito” (Kidnapped), Aki Kaurismäki’s “Kuolleet lehdet” (Fallen Leaves), and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”
Commitment to Ethical Recognition
The Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma emphasizes its commitment to ethical recognition. In light of legal proceedings, individuals implicated in acts of violence will be excluded from César nominations, a measure implemented last year.
Upcoming Ceremony and Honorary Awards
The 49th César ceremony, scheduled for February 23, will pay tribute to Agnès Jaoui and Christopher Nolan, both set to receive honorary César awards.
Key Nominations List
- Best Film: “Anatomie d’une chute,” “Chien de la casse,” “Je verrai toujours vos visages,” “Le Procès Goldman,” “Le Règne animal”
- Best Director: Justine Triet, Catherine Breillat, Jeanne Herry, Cédric Kahn, Thomas Caillet
- Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, Léa Drucker, Virginie Efira, Hafsia Herzi, Sandra Hüller
- Best Actor: Romain Duris, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, Raphaël Quenard, Arieh Worthalter
- Best Supporting Actress: Leila Bekhti, Galatea Bellugi, Elodie Bouchez, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Miou Miou
- Best Supporting Actor: Swann Arlaud, Anthony Bajon, Arthur Harari, Pio Marmaï, Antoine Reinartz
- Best Female Newcomer: Céleste Brunnquell, Kim Higelin, Suzanne Jouannet, Rebecca Marder, Ella Rumpf
- Best Male Newcomer: Julien Frison, Paul Kircher, Samuel Kircher, Milo Machado-Graner, Raphaël Quenard
- Best Original Screenplay: “Anatomie d’une chute,” “Chien de la casse,” “Je verrai toujours vos visages,” “Le Procès Goldman,” “Le Règne animal”
- Best Adapted Screenplay: “L’Amour et les Forêts,” “Le Consentement,” “L’été dernier”
- Best Documentary: “Atlantic Bar,” “Les Filles d’Olfa (Four Daughters),” “Little Girl Blue,” “Notre Corps,” “Sur l’Adamant”
- Best Debut Film: “Bernadette,” “Chien de la casse,” “Le Ravissement,” “Vermines,” “Vincent doit mourir”
- Best Foreign Film: “Rapito” (Kidnapped), “Kuolleet lehdet” (Fallen Leaves), “Oppenheimer,” “Perfect Days,” “The Nature of Love”
SOURCE: Ref Image from Film Affinity
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