French epic Monte Cristo takes lead role in star-studded Césars race

French actor Pierre Niney in the role of Edmond Dantès in The Count of Monte Cristo, which garnered 14 nominations for the 2025 César awards.

The Count of Monte Cristo and Emilia Perez are among the most-nominated films for the 50th edition of the César awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars. The ceremony, hosted by Catherine Deneuve, will take place on 28 February in Paris.

A big-budget French adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's epic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo leads the 2025 Césars with 14 nominations.

Directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière, it was a box-office hit, drawing 9.4 million spectators in France last year.

Lead actor Pierre Niney is the front-runner in the best actor category, but faces competition from Francois Civil who starred in the romantic drama hit of the year, Amour Ouf (Beating Hearts), which received 13 nominations.

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Niney won a César in 2015 for his portrayal of fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent, while Civil has been nominated on several occasions over the years.

Civil's partner in Amour Ouf, Adèle Exarchopoulos has been nominated for best actress, 11 years after she won best upcoming female talent for La Vie d’Adèle.

French films storm Oscar nominations as Audiard's Emilia Perez breaks records

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez, which broke records last week with 13 Oscar nominations, is up for 12 Césars, including best film and best director.

The star of the film, Abou Sangare, was an undocumented migrant from Guinea with no previous acting experience when he was chosen at a casting call by director Boris Lojkine.


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