The international press presented its Lights this evening, distinguishing the best French films of the year. Like last year, this 27th ceremony took the form of a TV show broadcast on Canal+. Check out the full list.
Despite the complex health context, the international press, gathered within the Académie des Lumières, following the example of the Golden Globes in the United States, presented its Lumières to French cinema on January 17, making it possible to give an initial trend of the price season in France.
Awarded for a quarter of a century, the Lights inaugurate in January the season of film awards, rewarding the talents of French cinema of the past year. Created in 1995 by the will of a British journalist, Edward Behr, and a French producer, Daniel Toscan du Plantier, the annual prizes of the Académie des Lumières are intended to offer a different, international perspective on French cinema.
Lumières 2022: Lost Illusions leads the nominations ahead of Titanium
During a special broadcast, thus replacing the ceremony which should have been held at the Olympia, the best of French cinema was celebrated. The program was presented by Laurie Cholewa as well as thirteen correspondents from the Académie des Lumières, and broadcast free-to-air on Canal+.
“After a year 2021 marked by the roller coaster of the pandemic and the traffic jam that followed the long-awaited reopening of theaters, the Académie des Lumières and its 95 voters, international press correspondents from 36 countries, are happy to be able to support more than ever the excellence and diversity of French cinema”, organizers said.
A year after The Things We Say, The Things We Do, L’Événement, directed by Audrey Diwan, won the highest distinction, a few months after her Golden Lion in Venice. Its main actress, Anamaria Vartolomei, is crowned best actress.
Annette, by Leos Carax, leaves with 3 awards: best director, best image and best music. A little disappointment for Illusions Perdues, nominated 5 times and winner of a single distinction, best screenplay for Xavier Giannoli. It is the same for Titane, which leaves with only one prize, that of the female revelation for Agathe Rousselle. The Palme d’Or 2021 was nominated in 4 categories.
Discover the full prize list of the ceremony
Best film : The Event by Audrey Diwan
Best Direction: Leos Carax for Annette
Best Actress: Anamaria Vartolomei for the event
Best actor : Benoît Magimel for In his lifetime
Best Screenplay: Xavier Giannoli for Lost Illusions
Best Image: Caroline Champetier for Annette
Female revelation: Agathe Rousselle for Titanium
Male revelation: Thimotée Robart for Les Magnétiques
Best First Film: Gagarin by Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh
Best International Coproduction: Julie (in 12 chapters) by Joachim Trier
Best Animated Film: The Summit of the Gods by Patrick Imbert
Best Documentary: The Snow Panther by Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier
Best Music : Ron Mael and Russell Mael / Sparks for Annette
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