Richard Linklater’s ‘Nouvelle Vague’ Leads Nominations for the 51st César Awards

Richard Linklater’s latest cinematic endeavor, "Nouvelle Vague," has emerged as the undisputed frontrunner for the upcoming 51st César Awards, securing a total of ten prestigious nominations. This monochromatic tribute to the revolutionary French New Wave movement has garnered immense critical acclaim, positioning itself as a primary contender in major categories such as Best Film and Best Director. The narrative provides a stylized look into the historical production of Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 masterpiece, "Breathless," effectively capturing the spirit of a transformative era that redefined global cinema. Adding to the film's accolades, Guillaume Marbeck, who delivers a striking portrayal of the legendary Godard, has earned a well-deserved nomination for Best Young Actor.

The grand ceremony, which serves as the definitive celebration of French filmmaking achievements throughout 2025, is officially scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The event will be hosted at the historic Olympia concert hall in Paris, a venue that has long been a cornerstone of French cultural life. This year’s proceedings will be overseen by the esteemed actress Camille Cottin, who has been appointed as the President of the Jury. Joining her on stage to guide the evening’s festivities will be the talented Benjamin Lavernhe, serving as the master of ceremonies. As is tradition, the entire gala will be broadcast to a national audience via the television network Canal+.

While Linklater’s project currently leads the field, the competition for the night's top honors remains exceptionally tight, with three other standout productions each securing eight nominations. These include "L’Attachement" directed by Carine Tardieu, Dominik Moll’s investigative drama "Dossier 137," and "L’Inconnu de la Grande Arche" by Stéphane Demoustier. Demoustier’s biographical work explores the fascinating life of the Danish architect who was commissioned to design and build the Grande Arche de la Défense in the early 1980s. Both Tardieu’s and Moll’s films are also competing directly against "Nouvelle Vague" for the title of Best Film, highlighting a year of diverse and high-quality storytelling in French cinema.

Other significant contenders in this year's race include Hafsia Herzi’s "La Petite Sœur," which managed to secure seven nominations across various categories, and Thierry Chiffre’s "La Femme la plus riche du monde," which earned six. In a development that has sparked considerable discussion among critics, Jafar Panahi’s "A Simple Misfortune"—the prestigious winner of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or—received a surprisingly modest total of only two nominations. Perhaps most notably, Panahi himself was omitted from the Best Director shortlist, a decision that stands in stark contrast to the film's earlier international triumphs on the festival circuit.

Regarding its commercial performance, "Nouvelle Vague" originally premiered in French cinemas on October 8 and has since drawn an audience of 133,000 viewers. In a strategic move to leverage the awards season buzz, the distributor ARP Selection has scheduled a theatrical re-release of the film for February 25, just one day before the ceremony. This effort is expected to drive renewed interest and attendance following the film's dominant presence in the nomination list. In comparison, Panahi’s poignant Iranian political drama has been available to French audiences since its initial release on October 1, 2025, continuing its run through the autumn and winter seasons.

In keeping with the tradition of honoring international cinematic icons, the French Academy will also recognize the profound impact of American film during the ceremony. The legendary actor Jim Carrey is slated to receive an Honorary César, a distinction awarded for his remarkable and "exceptionally multifaceted" career. The Academy’s decision to honor Carrey reflects the global reach of his work, celebrating a legacy that includes both groundbreaking comedic performances and deeply moving dramatic roles. This tribute ensures that the 51st César Awards will not only celebrate domestic talent but also the enduring power of global cinema.