César 2026: Most Gender-Balanced Edition in History!

In a year where picking a frontrunner was particularly challenging, “L’Attachement,” starring Pio Marmai and Valéria Bruni Tedeschi, emerged victorious, clinching 3 Césars, including the prestigious Best Film award. “New Wave” also stood out, securing 4 Césars, including Best Director for American filmmaker Richard Linklater.

Director and screenwriter Carine Tardieu has etched her name in history as only the sixth woman to win the César for Best Film. She joins the ranks of Justine Triet, who won in 2024 for “Anatomy of a Fall,” Pascale Ferran for “Lady Chatterley” in 2007, Agnès Jaoui for “The Taste of Others” in 2001, Tonie Marshall in 2000 for “Venus Beauty Institute,” and Coline Serreau for “Three Men and a Cradle” in 1986.

In the directing category, the tally remains at two awards, with Richard Linklater being honored this year. Justine Triet and Tonie Marshall are the only other female recipients in the history of the Césars.

Five Feature Films, 20-Year Career: Carine Tardieu’s Journey

The achievement is all the more remarkable considering these were Carine Tardieu’s first nominations! The filmmaker, whose debut feature “La Tête de maman” came out in 2007, has directed five feature films over nearly two decades.

“L’Attachement” is her biggest box office hit, drawing nearly 800,000 viewers. She enjoyed previous success with “Just to Be Sure” (688,514 admissions in 2017) and “The Dandelions” (627,225 admissions in 2012).

When asked about the rarity of female directors winning the Best Film César, Carine Tardieu responded, “There probably aren’t enough, that’s for sure. However, when I make films, I don’t think about being a woman who makes films. But it turns out I am a woman who makes films.” She added, “As I mentioned before, I am produced by two men who produce a lot of women and who are very progressive, which doesn’t stop them from being men.”

“L’Attachement” earned a total of 3 awards: Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay (Carine Tardieu, Agnès Feuvre, and Raphaële Moussafir), and Best Supporting Actress for Vimala Pons.

Three Other Female Directors Honored at the 2026 Césars

Besides Carine Tardieu, it’s worth noting that three other female directors were recognized at this 51st ceremony. Pauline Loquès won the César for Best First Feature Film with “Nino.” The film also won a second award for its lead actor, Théodore Pellerin (César for Most Promising Actor). In the short film categories, two female directors were awarded: Sandra Desmazières for “Daughter of Water” (César for Short Animated Film) and Margaux Fournier for “Ladies’ Bath” (César for Short Documentary Film).

The Most Gender-Balanced Edition Yet

As highlighted by the 5050 Collective in an Instagram post, this 51st edition of the César Awards has officially been the most gender-balanced in its awards since the event began in 1975! “Congratulations to all the winners, technicians, producers, directors, and kudos to the members of the @academiedescesar for taking a step towards equality in our industry.”

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