Nouvelle Vague Dominates 51st César Awards Nominations with Ten Nods

The Académie des César announced the nominations for the 51st César Awards on January 28, 2026, highlighting Richard Linklater's film "Nouvelle Vague" as the frontrunner with ten nominations. These include prestigious categories such as Best Film and Best Director, positioning the film as the year's leading contender.

The ceremony is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at the Olympia, notably a day earlier than usual to avoid clashing with the Enfoirés gala on TF1.

Notable contenders include "L’Étranger," directed by François Ozon and inspired by Albert Camus' novel. Although expectations were high for this film to lead, it received four nominations, including Best Actor for Benjamin Voisin. Other films like "L’Attachement" and "Dossier 137" earned eight nominations each, underscoring a competitive field.

Jim Carrey is set to receive a César d’honneur, recognizing his significant contributions to cinema over his career.

The nominations also sparked discussions about several films that were surprisingly overlooked, such as "Chien 51" and "Les Enfants vont bien," raising debates among cinephiles and industry observers alike.

Last year’s ceremony was dominated by Emilia Perez, who won seven Césars including Best Film and Best Director, setting a high benchmark for this year’s nominees.

This year's nominations reflect a diverse and competitive selection of films, promising a captivating awards ceremony that celebrates French and international cinematic achievements.