The 91-year-old filmmaker, who denounced the regime of the Greek colonels in Z and the misdeeds of the CIA in State of siegewill be distinguished for all of his work.
French filmmaker of Greek origin Costa-Gavras will be rewarded for his entire career with an honorary César, during the fiftieth ceremony which will take place on Friday February 28, the organizers announced on Tuesday.
« His name is inseparable from French cinema. His work, rich, varied and deeply anchored in reality, is a call for reflection. Born in Greece, exiled in Paris, Costa-Gavras knew how to transcend borders to become one of the most influential filmmakers of our time. Master of the political thriller, he distinguished himself by his audacity in tackling the burning subjects of our society, combining courage, intelligence and humanity »declares the Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques and Canal + in a press release.
Costa-Gavras’ works have been awarded the highest international distinctions. From the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1970 for his masterpiece, Zwon the Palme d’Or in 1982 and the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Missingpassing by the Golden Bear in 1990 for Music Boxor the César for Best Original Screenplay or Adaptation in 2003 for Amen. In 2019, the San Sebastián Festival awarded him the honorary Donostia Prize for his entire career, considering that he is the“one of the greatest representatives of political cinema and social denunciation” of the last century.
An unfailing commitment
The filmmaker has stood out throughout his career for his commitment. Costa-Gavras accused the regime of the Greek colonels (Z1969), pointed out the misdeeds of the CIA in South America (State of siege1972), looked at the courts created specifically by Pétain (Special section, 1975). Last week, during the presentation of his film The Last Breath at the San Sebastian festival, dedicated to death, the Franco-Greek director challenged the government on the issue of the end of life. He called for “ courage » policy in order to “ help “to die” in good conditions » When ” the body no longer follows ».
The organizers of the César Awards had already announced the award of a first honorary prize to American actress Julia Roberts. The 50th César ceremony, broadcast unencrypted on the Canal+ channel, is to be held on February 28. It will be chaired by Catherine Deneuve. Nominations are due to be announced on January 29. The 49th edition saw the triumph ofAnatomy of a fall by Justine Triet (César for best film and best direction). The Honorary César, which rewards a career, was awarded to French director and actress Agnès Jaoui and British director Christopher Nolan.
