2024 Cesar Awards: “The Animal Kingdom” and “Anatomy of a Fall” Lead Nominations

The French film industry gathered on February 23, 2024, at the Olympia Concert Hall in Paris for the 49th Cesar Awards, honoring the best in French cinema. The event was a celebration of artistic excellence, with two films emerging as the frontrunners: Thomas Cailley’s supernatural drama “The Animal Kingdom” and Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or-winning “Anatomy of a Fall.”

“The Animal Kingdom” and “Anatomy of a Fall”: A Tale of Two Cinematic Masterpieces

“The Animal Kingdom,” a bold and imaginative film, marked a departure from France’s traditional social realism. Set in a dystopian future, it combined elements of creature-filled horror and a poignant father-son drama, reflecting contemporary concerns about humanity’s fate. The film’s powerful performances by Romain Duris and Paul Kircher, both nominated for Cesar Awards, brought depth and emotional resonance to the story.

“Anatomy of a Fall,” a gripping mystery, explored the trial of a novelist accused of her husband’s mysterious death. Sandra Hüller, delivering a tour-de-force performance, captivated audiences as the novelist caught in a web of secrets and suspicion. The film’s intricate storytelling and exploration of moral ambiguity earned it widespread acclaim and numerous award nominations, including five Oscar nods.

Other Notable Contenders: Exploring Societal Issues and Human Connections

“All Your Faces,” directed by Jeanne Herry, delved into the restorative justice system, bringing perpetrators and victims of offenses face to face. The film’s ensemble cast, including Adele Exarchopoulos, Leila Bekhti, Miou-Miou, and Elodie Bouchez, brought nuance and emotional depth to their roles, earning four of the five nominations in the Best Supporting Female category.

Cédric Khan’s “The Goldman Case,” based on the real-life trial of radical criminal Pierre Goldman, tackled themes of antisemitism, racial discrimination, and flaws in the judicial system. Arthur Harari, who co-wrote the screenplay with his partner Justine Triet, delivered a powerful supporting performance, earning a nomination for his role.

Celebrating Cinematic Excellence: Honorary Cesar Awards

The ceremony also honored two luminaries of the French film industry with honorary Cesar Awards: Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind “Oppenheimer,” and Agnes Jaoui, a beloved actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Their contributions to cinema were recognized and celebrated, underscoring the enduring legacy of French cinematic artistry.

The Full List of Cesar Awards Nominees

Best Film:

• “Anatomy of a Fall” by Justine Triet
• “Junkyard Dog” by Jean-Baptiste Durand
• “All Your Faces” by Jeanne Herry
• “The Goldman Case” by Cédric Kahn
• “The Animal Kingdom” by Thomas Cailley

Best Director:

• Justine Triet for “Anatomy of a Fall”
• Catherine Breillat for “Last Summer”
• Jeanne Herry for “All Your Faces”
• Cédric Kahn for “The Goldman Case”
• Thomas Cailley for “The Animal Kingdom”

Best Actress:

• Marion Cotillard for “Little Blue Girl”
• Léa Drucker for “Last Summer”
• Virginie Efira for “Just The Two Of Us”
• Hafsia Herzi for “The Rapture”
• Sandra Hüller for “Anatomy of a Fall”

Best Actor:

• Romain Duris for “The Animal Kingdom”
• Benjamin Lavernhe for “L’Abbé Pierre – A Century of Devotion”
• Melvil Poupaud for “Just The Two Of Us”
• Raphaël Quenard for “Yannik”
• Arieh Worthalter for “The Goldman Case”

Best Supporting Actress:

• Leila Bekhti for “All Your Faces”
• Galatea Bellugi for “Junkyard Dog”
• Élodie Bouchez for “All Your Faces”
• Adèle Exarchopoulos for “All Your Faces”
• Miou Miou for “All Your Faces”

Best Supporting Actor:

• Swann Arlaud for “Anatomy Of A Fall”
• Anthony Bajon for Junkyard Dog
• Arthur Harari for “The Goldman Case”
• Pio Marmaï for “Yannick”
• Antoine Reinartz for “Anatomy of a Fall”

Female Revelation:

• Celeste Brunnquell for “No Love Lost”
• Kim Higelin for “Consent”
• Suzanne Jouannet for “The Royal Way”
• Rebecca Marder for “Grand Expectations”
• Ella Rumpf for “Marguerite’s Theorem”

Male Revelation:

• Julien Frison for “Marguerite’s Theorem”
• Paul Kircher for “The Animal Kingdom”
• Samuel Kircher for “Last Summer”
• Milo Machado Graner for “Anatomy of a Fall”
• Raphaël Quenard for “Junkyard Dog”

Best Original Screenplay:

• Justine Triet, Arthur Harari for “Anatomy of a Fall”
• Jean-Baptiste Durand for “Junkyard Dog”
• Jeanne Herry for “All Your Faces”
• Nathalie Hertzberg, Cédric Khan for “The Goldman Case”
• Thomas Cailley, Pauline Munier for “The Animal Kingdom”

Best Adapted Screenplay:

• Valérie Donzelli, Audrey Diwan for “Just The Two Of Us”
• Vanessa Filho for “Consent”
• Catherine Breillat for “Last Summer”

Honorary Cesar Awards:

• Christopher Nolan
• Agnes Jaoui

The 49th Cesar Awards celebrated the diversity and richness of French cinema, recognizing the exceptional talent and artistry of its filmmakers, actors, and technicians. The event showcased the enduring power of cinema to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire audiences worldwide.

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