Paris lit up last night as the 51st César Awards Ceremony unfolded at the iconic L'Olympia on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Often dubbed the 'French Oscars,' the prestigious event, celebrating the best French films of 2025, was presided over by actress Camille Cottin and hosted by actor Benjamin Lavernhe alongside a group of artists.

A major force behind the scenes, BNP Paribas demonstrated its deep commitment to French cinema, with an impressive twenty films it backed collectively receiving sixty nominations. The financial institution, which has championed French film for over a century, has been a loyal partner of the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma for two decades. Their supported films included notable contenders such as Richard Linklater's “Nouvelle vague,” Carine Tardieu’s “L'Attachement,” and Dominik Moll’s “Dossier 137,” all vying for the César for Best Film.

In a triumph for BNP Paribas-supported cinema, Carine Tardieu's “The Ties That Bind Us” (also known as “L'Attachement”) took home the coveted Best Film award. Other winners from BNP Paribas-backed films included Léa Drucker for Best Actress in “Case 137” and Laurent Lafitte for Best Actor in “The Richest Woman in the World.” Richard Linklater also earned Best Director for “Nouvelle Vague,” which led all films with ten nominations. The ceremony also celebrated international talent, notably honoring American actor Jim Carrey with an Honorary César.