The 45th Caesar ceremony creates controversy by awarding Roman Polanski

On Friday, February 28, 2020 the 45th Caesar Ceremony took place in France, and created controversy. During this, the filmmaker Roman Polanski, not present for this evening, received the prize for best production. Following his confession of guilt in charges of rape against minors in the United States, the man fled before conviction in 1977 and is still wanted by the country. He is also accused of rape by 12 women. Wanting to avoid any « public lynching », he decided not to appear at the ceremony but demonstrators nevertheless were present to protest against the nomination of his film “J’Accuse” for 12 prizes.


The evening began with the actress Florence Foresti hosting the event with a black humor sketch aimed at the director. She said « There are 12 moments when we are going to have a problem » and points out the fact that the man should not normally be applauded during this evening.

When the filmmaker was named “best filmmaker”, a wave of anger from the demonstrators erupted outside the place of the ceremony. Inside, several artists left the room, including Adèle Haenel, who said that she had been the victim of sexual touching and harassment by French filmmaker Christophe Ruggia. In an interview posted online on Monday, February 24, she told the New York Times that « To distinguish Polanski is to spit on of all the victims », adding that his being nominated « means that raping women is not so bad ». When the announcement was made, she got up and left, shouting « Shame!”, followed by other spectators.

While creating a strong controversy visible on all newspapers and social networks, this 45th Caesar ceremony in France therefore allowed, several artists to denounce and accuse Roman Polanski. But he is not the only one to have fueled the controversy. Indeed, the French feminist group « Osez le Féminisme » (Dare Feminism), accused the Caesar commission of being sexist, following the filmmaker’s nomination, and therefore called for a rally in front of the ceremony hall. Indeed, the Caesar Academy appointed and rewarded the filmmaker by responding that their role was not to « make a moral decision » regarding the awards.

Gwenola

Sources consulted :
– The Guardian – Roman Polanski wins best director at French ‘Oscars’ amid protests
– personal knowledge