France’s 2026 Cesar Awards Announced (Updating Live)
#Cesar Awards#Richard Linklater#Nouvelle Vague#Jim Carrey#French Cinema#Film Awards 2026#Olympia Paris
📌 Key Takeaways
Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague' leads with 10 nominations
Jim Carrey receives the honorary Cesar Award
Host Benjamin Lavernhe performs emotional tribute to Carrey
The ceremony showcases international recognition at France's film awards
📖 Full Retelling
Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague' leads the nominations at France's 51st Cesar Awards ceremony taking place this evening at the Olympia theater in Paris on February 26, 2026, with the American film earning 10 nods in France's equivalent to the Oscars. The ceremony has taken on a Hollywood flavor with American filmmaker Richard Linklater's tribute to French New Wave cinema dominating the nominations, while veteran actor Jim Carrey received this year's honorary Cesar Award to a standing ovation from the audience. French actor Benjamin Lavernhe, hosting the event, became visibly emotional while introducing Carrey, who was seated in the front row alongside Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada and Academy Award-winning actor Jean Dujardin. Lavernhe capped off the tribute with a dance number honoring Carrey's iconic role in 'The Mask,' highlighting the international appreciation for the American star at France's premier film awards ceremony.
🏷️ Themes
Film Awards, International Cinema, Cultural Recognition
The New Wave (French: Nouvelle Vague, French pronunciation: [nuvɛl vaɡ]), also called the French New Wave, is a French art film movement that emerged in the late 1950s. The movement was characterized by its rejection of traditional filmmaking conventions, favoring experimentation and a spirit of ic...
The cinema of France comprises the film industry and its film productions, whether made within the nation of France or by French film production companies abroad. It is the oldest and largest precursor of national cinemas in Europe, with primary influence also on the creation of national cinemas in ...
The César Award (French: [sezaʁ]) is the national film award of France. It is delivered in the Nuit des César ceremony and was first awarded in 1976. The nominations are selected by the members of twelve categories of filmmaking professionals and supported by the French Ministry of Culture.
James Eugene Carrey (; born January 17, 1962) is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. Known primarily for his energetic slapstick performances, he's regarded as one of the most prominent comedic actors of his generation. He has received two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for ...
Richard Linklater (; born July 30, 1960) is an American filmmaker. He is known for making films which deal thematically with suburban culture and the effects of the passage of time. In 2015, Linklater was named to the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
Feb 26, 2026 11:36am PT France’s 2026 Cesar Awards Announced (Updating Live) Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague" is leading the race with 10 nominations, while Jim Carrey will receive the honorary Cesar Award. By Elsa Keslassy Plus Icon Elsa Keslassy International Correspondent @elsakeslassy Latest France’s 2026 Cesar Awards Announced (Updating Live) 7 minutes ago Israeli Film Community Throws Support Behind Tricia Tuttle, Hailing Berlinale as Space for ‘Open Debate’ and ‘Non-Censorship’ 7 hours ago Janus Films Buys Alain Gomis’ Family Epic ‘DAO’ for North America 10 hours ago See All The Cesar Awards, France’s equivalent to the Oscars and BAFTA’s, is unfolding this evening at the Olympia theater in Paris. This 51st edition could have a Hollywood flavor with Richard Linklater ’s “Nouvelle Vague,” a love letter to the French cinematic movement known as the New Wave, leading the race with 10 nominations. Jim Carrey will also receive this year’s honorary Cesar award. The actor was greeted by a long ovation. The ceremony’s host, French actor Benjamin Lavernhe, shed tears as he introduced Carrey – sitting on the front row alongside Canal+ boss Maxime Saada and “The Artist” star Jean Dujardin — and did a dance number paying tribute to “The Mask.” Popular on Variety Related Stories Film Factory Nabs Rights to ’Torrente for President,’ Spain’s Biggest Comedy Bet for 2026
