French actor and filmmaker Olivier Marchal has declared he will no longer attend the César Awards, citing a toxic atmosphere of jealousy and mutual hostility within the film industry. The veteran director, known for films like 36 Quai des Orfèvres, revealed his disillusionment with the French Academy's awards ceremony during an appearance on TF1’s Télématin on November 12, 2026. [1]
Marchal recalled his most traumatic experience at the ceremony during the 2005 awards, where his film was nominated for eight prizes, including Best Film and Best Director, but won nothing. He described the event as an environment characterized by ingratitude and hypocrisy, recalling an interaction with a deceased actor who publicly disparaged the film while seated directly in front of him. The confrontation nearly escalated physically, but Marchal restrained himself due to his then-pregnant wife being present. He also noted seeing fellow nominee Will Smith struggling with similar disdain for the event's pomp. [1]
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