French Caesars impose restrictions on invitations to those charged with sexual violence

Following major controversies, the French Academy of the Caesars has decided not to invite to the 28 Caesars anyone charged or convicted of acts of sexual violence.

According to Variety, under this new ruling, no actor, filmmaker, producer or other industry professional may be allowed to attend events produced by the Académie César, the French equivalent of the Académie film arts and sciences. However, said people can still be nominated and even win a Caesar, but cannot accept them in person, or send anyone to speak at the ceremony on their behalf.

This decision follows a recent scandal involving Sofiane Bennacer, an actor in Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's Cannes film "Forever Young", who was shortlisted for the Best Newcomer category at the César Awards. Following reports that Bennacer has been charged with multiple charges of rape and violence, the César Academy ultimately removed him from the shortlist.

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In 2020, the Académie des César faced intense criticism when Roman Polanski, a fugitive from the United States for his 1977 rape of a 13-year-old girl, won Best Director for his film "An Officer and a Spy". Polanski did not attend the ceremony, but her victory prompted several walkouts, including from "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" Best Actress nominee Adèle Haene.

"Out of respect for the victims (even presumed in the event of indictment or non-definitive conviction) it was decided not to highlight the persons indicted or convicted for acts of violence, in particular sexual or sexists,” the Academy said in its letter, according to Variety.

During the first half of 2023, the Académie des César is expected to hold a vote that will determine longer-term changes to eligibility rules, including possible outright bans on individuals charged, convicted, or under investigation. awaiting trial for sexual violence.

The news also follows another high-profile French controversy where Dominique Boutonnat, the president of the French government's National Film Office (known as the CNC), was reappointed for a second three-year term. at the agency last July. Boutonnant was charged with the alleged sexual assault of his godson in February last year, and was sentenced to stand trial in September.

The 2023 Caesars will take place on February 24, with nominations expected to be announced later this year. David Fincher will receive an Honorary Cesar at the ceremony.

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