Linklater’s ‘Nouvelle Vague’ sets César record for American film

Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague Leads César Awards With 10 Nominations

The César Academy announced on Wednesday that Richard Linklater’s black-and-white French New Wave tribute “Nouvelle Vague” has earned 10 nominations at France’s 51st César Awards, marking the most nominations ever received by an American production at the country’s highest film honors.thewrap

The Netflix film, which reimagines the chaotic 1959 production of Jean-Luc Godard’s groundbreaking “Breathless,” secured nominations in major categories including best film, best director, best original screenplay, cinematography, and editing. Guillaume Marbeck, who portrays the young Godard in his feature acting debut, earned a nomination for best male newcomer.variety

A Historic Achievement for an American Director

Linklater’s tribute to the filmmakers who revolutionized cinema in the late 1950s has accomplished what no American production has before at the Césars. While non-French-language films have previously competed for the top prize—including Roman Polanski’s “The Pianist” and last year’s “Emilia Pérez”—”Nouvelle Vague” stands alone in nomination count for an American-directed work.variety

The film follows closely behind three French productions that each garnered eight nominations: Carine Tardieu’s family drama “L’attachement,” Dominik Moll’s legal thriller “Case 137,” and Stéphane Demoustier’s historical drama “The Great Arch”. All five best film nominees—including Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just an Accident”—premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.sortiraparis

Oscar Snub, César Triumph

The César recognition arrives just days after “Nouvelle Vague” was notably absent from the Oscar nominations announced last week. Meanwhile, Linklater’s other 2025 release, “Blue Moon,” secured two Academy Award nominations: Best Actor for Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of lyricist Lorenz Hart, and Best Original Screenplay.chron

In an interview following his nomination, Hawke reflected on his longtime collaborator’s prolific year: “Rick has two of the best movies made this year. And he doesn’t win any prizes but it’s kind of a testament to what’s special about his filmmaking”.latimes

Looking Ahead to February

French actress Camille Cottin, known for “Call My Agent,” will host the 51st César Awards ceremony on February 26 at the Olympia Theatre in Paris. Jim Carrey is set to receive an honorary César during the event, following in the footsteps of last year’s honoree, Julia Roberts.deadline

Marbeck, whose preparation for the role included studying Godard’s film criticism and early short films while deliberately avoiding the director’s later work, told The Hollywood Reporter that he approached his audition with a philosophy befitting his character: “I thought to myself, ‘What would Godard do?’ I figured he wouldn’t apologize”.hollywoodreporter