François Ozon's adaptation of Albert Camus's 'The Stranger' dominated the 31st Lumières Awards in Paris, securing best film, best actor, and best cinematography honors. Richard Linklater won best director for his French New Wave tribute 'Nouvelle Vague' at the ceremony held on January 18, 2026.
The 31st Lumières Awards, France's equivalent to the Golden Globes, took place on Sunday evening at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. Voted on by international journalists from 36 countries, the event kicks off France's awards season ahead of the César Awards on February 27.
François Ozon's 'The Stranger,' a black-and-white adaptation of Albert Camus's novel that premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2025, won best film. It marks Ozon's first best film victory at the Lumières, following nominations in 2020 for 'By the Grace of God' and 2021 for 'Summer 85.' Benjamin Voisin earned best actor for portraying the nihilistic protagonist Meursault, opposite Rebecca Marder. Voisin previously won best revelation for his role in 'Summer 85.' Manuel Dacosse received best cinematography for the film, which was shot in color but presented in black and white.
American director Richard Linklater claimed best director for 'Nouvelle Vague,' a black-and-white homage to the French New Wave that opened in competition at Cannes. Guillaume Marbeck won best male revelation for his performance as Jean-Luc Godard in the film.
Léa Drucker took best actress for her role in Dominik Moll's 'Case 137,' a drama that premiered at Cannes. This was her first Lumières win after nominations in 2019 for 'Custody' and 2024 for 'Last Summer.' Nadia Melliti, who won best actress at Cannes for Hafsia Herzi's 'The Little Sister,' received best female revelation.
Kleber Mendonça Filho's 'The Secret Agent' won best international co-production, building on its recent Golden Globes successes for best international film and best actor for Wagner Moura. Stéphane Demoustier secured best screenplay for 'L’Inconnu de la Grande Arche,' his second such award. Other winners included Pauline Loquès's 'Nino' for best first film, Ugo Bienvenu's 'Arco' for best animated feature—which also triumphed at the European Film Awards—and Sepideh Farsi's 'Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk' for best documentary. Best original music went to Warren Ellis, Dom La Nena, and Rosemary Standley for Vincent Munier's 'Le Chant des forêts.'
The ceremony coincided with Unifrance’s Rendez-Vous in Paris, hosting journalists from 40 territories.
