César 2025: April 3, 1976, the day the French Oscars were created

In 2025, it's the 50th ceremony, not the fiftieth anniversary! Because it all began on April 3, 1976 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, with the first edition of the Césars or Nuit des Césars, laying the foundations for a major annual gathering of French cinema.

In 1975, Georges Cravenne created the Académie des arts et techniques du cinéma to honor the greatest French cinematographic achievements, thus establishing an equivalent of the Oscars in the United States. The Césars replaced the Étoiles de cristal, awarded from 1955 to 1975 by Georges Auric's Académie du cinéma, as well as the Victoires du cinéma français, launched after the Second World War by the magazine Cinémonde .

The name "César" pays homage to the sculptor of the trophy, César Baldaccini, and also refers to Marcel Pagnol's film César . The ceremony, presided over by Jean Gabin – who marked his last public appearance before his death six months later – was hosted by Pierre Tchernia and directed by Jacques Demy. It remained the shortest in history, lasting only 1 hour 40 minutes, broadcast on Antenne 2. The winners were chosen by an academy of 900 members voting for 13 categories, thus laying the foundations of a French cinematographic tradition.

The César Awards evening brought together an exceptional line-up, with emblematic figures of French and international cinema. Robert Enrico, president of the Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques from 1976 to 1986, played a central role in organizing this prestigious event. His presence added a solemn and respected dimension to the ceremony. Michèle Morgan, a key figure in French cinema, presented the César for best film alongside Jean Gabin. Together, they shared a moment of complicity, when she borrowed his glasses to present the award, a gesture that has become legendary in the history of the Césars. Their relationship in life and on stage, immortalized in films such as "Le Quai des brumes" shot forty years earlier, brought a touch of nostalgia and emotion to the evening.

Michel Legrand, a prolific composer, enchanted audiences with his unforgettable melodies, although he never received a César. Charlotte Rampling, an iconic actress, received an honorary César in 2001, recognizing her exceptional contribution to cinema. Diana Ross, for her part, was honored with an honorary César alongside Ingrid Bergman. On stage at the Palais des Congrès, she even performed Theme from Mahogany, taken from the eponymous film by Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, in which she stars.

The first edition of the César Awards, in 1976, marked the history of French cinema by rewarding several legends who have now passed away. Romy Schneider was crowned best actress for her role in Andrzej Zulawski's L'important, c'est d'aimer . For the record: nominated for the César for best actress, Isabelle Adjani, convinced of her victory, stood up before the winner was even announced, a prize ultimately awarded to Romy Schneider.

Philippe Noiret won the César for best actor for his performance in Robert Enrico's Le Vieux fusil . Jean Rochefort, the first winner of the evening, was also honored as best supporting actor for Let the Party Begin by Bertrand Tavernier. A cast that would make today's filmmakers dream.

Robert Enrico's Le Vieux fusil and Bertrand Tavernier's Que la fête commence were particularly honored at this ceremony, each winning several awards. Marie-France Pisier was also awarded the César for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Cousin, Cousine and Souvenirs d'en France, thus adding to the list of talents celebrated at this memorable edition of the Césars.

Jean Rochefort describes the tense atmosphere of the evening, particularly during his conversation with a Jean Gabin who was skeptical about the ceremony. "I received the first award on April 3, 1976. It wasn't this brilliant compression, but a little guy who was unwinding a reel of film: very first degree. I was the guinea pig and, when I went up on stage to pick up my toy, the atmosphere was tense! Some strong minds saw it only as an imitation of the Oscars (1928). When I went to tap Gabin on the shoulder, a sullen president, he turned back abruptly: 'Ah, it's you Rochefort! If it had been a journalist, I would have slapped him.' I who was hoping for a little compliment of circumstance. "

For the first edition, the trophy represented a small man unrolling a reel, but faced with a mixed reception, the sculptor César created for the second edition in 1977 the famous compression of 29 cm high and weighing 3.6 kg, still awarded today.