France's main cinematic award «César» (César) – is one of the most prestigious awards for success in cinema. It was established by the French Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Technology and is considered the European equivalent of the «Oscar».
The idea for the award was proposed in 1974 by the producer and first president of the French Film Academy, Georges Cravenne. He named it after his friend – sculptor, famous postmodernist Cesar Baldaccini. It was he who became the author of the intricate gilded figurines that are awarded to the winners.
The first presentation of the national film award «Cesar» took place on April 3, 1976 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. The ceremony was chaired by the famous French actor Jean Gabin. The first awards were distributed in 13 categories (best film, director, artist, actress, and so on). Now the award ceremony takes place annually in February-March in various concert halls of the French capital.
The «Cesar» Prize is awarded to French and foreign films based on the results of a secret vote of members of the French Academy of Cinematographic Arts, which takes place in two rounds. Ballot papers are mailed and collected in the same way. During the first round, five candidates for the award in each category are determined, during the second – the winners.
To date, the list of nominations consists of 21 items: Best Film of the Year, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Most Promising Actor, Most Promising Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Score, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Scenery, Best Costumes, Best Sound, Best Debut, Best Visual Effects, Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary, best Foreign Language Film. A special award – Honorary «Cesar» is also awarded.
Initially, it was assumed that every ten years a special «Cesar Cesarov» award would be awarded for the best French film of the decade. In 1985, it was received by the film «Old Gun» directed by Robert Enrico. However, this prize was not awarded in the future.