The César Awards, France’s premier film awards ceremony, have announced that they will ban anyone under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct from attending the award ceremony next month.
The French Academy said the decision was taken “out of respect for the victims”.
Under the new rules, any person exposed to allegations will be banned from all events associated with and hosted by the Academy. If an excluded nominee wins an award, no person present may speak on their behalf.
The Cesar Award decision comes amid controversy surrounding aspiring actress Sofiane Bennacer, who is currently under investigation over allegations of rape and assault.
Bennacer was one of 32 young artists selected for the 2023 edition of the César Academy Revelations talent program. In November, the French academy pulled Bennacer from the talent show and announced it would create new rules for candidates undergoing trials.
Bennacer has publicly denied the allegations, saying he was the victim of harassment by a former girlfriend who encouraged other women to also testify against him.
Earlier this year, daily Libération published an in-depth two-page investigative report, citing a number of anonymous sources who said rumors about the allegations against Bennacer were widespread during the filming of the actor’s 2022 Palme d’Or contender. Forever young.
The Cesar Awards also drew criticism and masses in 2020 when director Roman Polanski won the award for best director for his drama about the Dreyfus affair An officer and a spy. Polanski has been wanted in the United States since the 1970s for the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. Polanski fled the United States on the eve of the final sentencing in the case.
The new rules also apply to anyone convicted of criminal offences. The academy has announced that it will vote on whether or not to change the eligibility criteria for nominations.
The César Awards 2023 will take place on February 24 at the Olympia in Paris.
Author: Zac Ntim
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
