Carine Tardieu’s family drama The Ties That Bind Us emerged victorious at the 51st César Awards, held on January 25, 2024, at the Olympia theater in Paris. Based on Alice Ferney’s novel L’Intimité, the film secured the prestigious title of best film, surpassing Richard Linklater’s highly anticipated Nouvelle Vague. In addition to the best film award, The Ties That Bind Us also took home honors for best adapted screenplay and best supporting actress for Vimala Pons.
Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a black-and-white exploration of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s classic Breathless, was a frontrunner at the ceremony with ten nominations. It ultimately won best director for Linklater, as well as awards for best cinematography, costume design, and editing. Netflix had acquired Nouvelle Vague during its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, further elevating its profile among audiences.
In individual performances, Laurent Lafitte was awarded best actor for his role alongside Isabelle Huppert in The Richest Woman In The World, a comedy-drama inspired by the 2010 Bettencourt Affair. Léa Drucker won best actress for her portrayal in Dominik Moll’s procedural Case 137.
Notable Winners and Honors
The evening recognized several other remarkable films and performances. The Great Arch, directed by Stéphane Demoustier and featuring Claes Bang, received accolades for production design and visual effects. Nino, directed by Pauline Loquès, captured both the best first feature award and the best male newcomer award for lead actor Théodore Pellerin.
In the animated category, Ugo Bienvenu’s Arco, produced by Natalie Portman, was celebrated with awards for best animated feature and best score. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another garnered the César for best international film, outpacing competitors such as The Secret Agent and Sentimental Value.
This year’s ceremony also honored Canadian actor Jim Carrey with an honorary César for lifetime achievement. Speaking in French with a pronounced English accent, Carrey remarked on his family’s roots in France, noting that his ancestor, Marc-François Carré, emigrated to Canada approximately 300 years ago. He expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “Tonight with this magnificent honor, this square (carré in French) has come full circle.”
Additionally, the event paid tribute to the late French icon Brigitte Bardot, who passed away on December 28, 2023. A retrospective reel showcased highlights from her illustrious career, including memorable scenes from classics such as And God Created Woman and Contempt.
As the awards highlighted the diversity and talent within the French film industry, the full list of winners reflects a range of genres and storytelling approaches.
Best Film: The Ties That Bind Us
Best Director: Richard Linklater, Nouvelle Vague
Best Actress: Léa Drucker, Case 137
Best Actor: Laurent Lafitte, The Richest Woman in the World
Best Supporting Actress: Vimala Pons, The Ties That Bind Us
Best Supporting Actor: Pierre Lottin, The Stranger
Best Female Newcomer: Nadia Melliti, The Little Sister
Best Male Newcomer: Théodore Pellerin, Nino
Best Original Screenplay: Franck Dubosc, Sarah Kaminsky, How to Make a Killing
Best Adapted Screenplay: Carine Tardieu, The Ties That Bind Us
Best International Film: One Battle After Another
Best Original Score: Arnaud Toulon, Arco
Best Sound: Romain Cadilhac, Marc Namblard, Olivier Touche, Olivier Goinard, Whispers in the Woods
Best Cinematography: David Chambille, Nouvelle Vague
Best Editing: Catherine Schwartz, Nouvelle Vague
Best Costume Design: Pascaline Chavanne, Nouvelle Vague
Best Production Design: Catherine Cosme, The Grand Arch
Best Visual Effects: Lise Fischer, The Great Arch
Best Animated Feature: Arco
Best Documentary: Whispers in the Woods
Best Animated Short Film: Fille de l’eau
Best Short Documentary: Au bain des dames
The César Awards continue to celebrate the richness of French cinema, showcasing both established and emerging talents.
