The 51st César Awards ceremony took place on February 26, 2026, at Paris's Olympia, hosted by Benjamin Lavernhe and presided over by Camille Cottin. Carine Tardieu's L’Attachement won best film, while Jim Carrey received an honorary César. The tribute to Brigitte Bardot was booed by part of the audience.
The 51st César Awards, moved to Thursday, February 26, 2026, to avoid clashing with the Enfoirés show, gathered the French film industry at a packed Olympia. Benjamin Lavernhe kicked off the evening with an energetic skit, impersonating Jim Carrey by donning the mask and yellow suit from The Mask, stating: « I’m 10 years old, coming out of a Mask screening [...] 30 years later he’s three meters away from me. It’s almost unreal. »
President Camille Cottin entered to Top Gun's score, parodying Donald Trump to defend the « fragile but alive » French cinema, before a serious address: « Culture is a weapon against brutality. [...] Long live cinema and long live France. » Catherine Pégard, appointed Minister of Culture that day, attended, delighted to « participate in this film festival so important for our country ».
The fragmented results, with no overwhelming favorite, saw Richard Linklater's Nouvelle Vague take four awards, including best director. L’Attachement earned three, including best film, with Carine Tardieu saying: « I’m very happy because it feels like everyone got a bit tonight. » Léa Drucker (Dossier 137) and Laurent Lafitte (La Femme la plus riche du monde) won best actress and actor. For best female newcomer, Nadia Melliti dedicated her César from La Petite dernière « to farmers, medical staff, and those in Education ».
Jim Carrey, honored with a lifetime achievement César, moved the crowd in French: « About 300 years ago, my great-great-great-grandfather left Saint-Malo for Canada. The circle is complete. » AI concerns surfaced, as voice actor Emmanuel Curtil advocated for human dubbing. Golshifteh Farahani condemned Iran's repression on behalf of Jafar Panahi.
A tribute to Brigitte Bardot, who died on December 28, 2025, drew boos and a « Racist! » shout, tied to her controversial stances. The ceremony wrapped around midnight, celebrating a diverse cinema after a tough year for theaters.
