Ceremony - Paris Film Critics Awards 2025: Honoring the Best in Cinema at a Night of Glamour and Triumph

By Mulder, Paris, Royal Monceau – Raffles, 09 march 2025

The fourth edition of the Paris Film Critics Awards once again proved to be a defining moment for the global film industry, bringing together a stellar array of filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals at the prestigious Hôtel Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. With an elite jury of 130 Parisian journalists specializing in cinema and culture, the event recognized the most outstanding French and international productions of the past year, encompassing theatrical releases and streaming platforms alike. The evening was a true celebration of cinematic artistry, filled with moments of joy, heartfelt speeches, and well-deserved accolades that highlighted the richness and diversity of storytelling in 2024.

Among the major contenders, The Count of Monte Cristo led the pack with 11 nominations, followed closely by Emilia Pérez with 10 nominations, and The Substance securing 7 nominations. The atmosphere was electric, as the competition was fierce, and the audience was eager to see which films and performances would emerge victorious. The awards ceremony turned into an unforgettable night, rewarding bold artistic vision, technical mastery, and performances that resonated with audiences worldwide.

The night’s highest honor, Best Film, was awarded to Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, a daring blend of musical and crime drama that captivated audiences with its unique narrative structure and vibrant performances. The film stood out for its bold storytelling, striking cinematography, and emotional depth, cementing Audiard’s reputation as one of the most innovative filmmakers of his generation. His ability to intertwine genre elements with compelling social themes made Emilia Pérez a standout film of the year, earning its well-deserved recognition as the top film of 2024.

The award for Best Director went to Coralie Fargeat for her gripping body-horror thriller The Substance, a film that masterfully combined elements of psychological horror and feminist critique. Fargeat’s fearless approach to storytelling and her ability to craft a visually arresting and thought-provoking narrative made her an undeniable choice for this honor. Her direction pushed boundaries, challenging conventional norms while delivering a cinematic experience that left a lasting impact on viewers.

Demi Moore delivered a career-defining performance in The Substance, earning her the Best Actress award. Her transformative and intense portrayal of a woman caught in a hauntingly surreal nightmare drew widespread critical acclaim, proving once again her ability to take on complex and emotionally demanding roles. Moore’s win not only celebrated her extraordinary performance but also underscored her continued evolution as a powerhouse performer in Hollywood.

The Best Actor award was presented to Karim Leklou for his outstanding role in Le Roman de Jim. His deeply nuanced performance brought authenticity and raw emotion to the film, capturing the struggles and complexities of his character with remarkable precision. Leklou’s ability to embody the depth of his character’s journey resonated with both audiences and critics, securing him this well-earned accolade.

In the supporting acting categories, Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for her moving and layered performance in Emilia Pérez. Her portrayal brought a richness to the film’s ensemble cast, further elevating the film’s impact. Meanwhile, Pierre Lottin won Best Supporting Actor for his powerful and understated role in Quand vient l’automne, proving once again his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every project he takes on.

New and emerging talent was also celebrated, with Mallory Wanecque winning Best Newcomer (Female) for her captivating performance in L’Amour Ouf. Her raw, uninhibited screen presence hints at a bright future in the industry. On the male side, Abou Sangaré was awarded Best Newcomer (Male) for his compelling role in L’Histoire de Souleymane, a performance that resonated deeply and showcased his immense potential as a rising star in French cinema.

Screenwriting was also in the spotlight, with Mohammad Rasoulof receiving the Best Original Screenplay award for Seeds of the Wild Fig Tree, a poignant and politically charged narrative that captivated audiences with its thought-provoking themes. Meanwhile, Michel Hazanavicius and Jean-Claude Grumberg took home Best Adaptation for The Most Precious of Goods, a deeply moving and artfully crafted work that breathed new life into its source material.

On the technical side, Greig Fraser won Best Cinematography for his breathtaking work on Dune: Part 2, continuing to set the standard for visual storytelling with his awe-inspiring compositions and masterful use of light and shadow. Juliette Welfling secured the Best Editing award for Emilia Pérez, crafting a seamless and engaging narrative that maintained the film’s gripping pace.

Music also played a crucial role in this year’s awards, with Camille & Clément Ducol winning Best Original Score for their evocative compositions in Emilia Pérez, which elevated the film’s emotional and dramatic impact. In production design, Stéphane Taillasson was honored with Best Set Design for his meticulous and immersive work on The Count of Monte Cristo, while Thierry Delettre received Best Costumes for his detailed and historically rich wardrobe designs that perfectly captured the film’s period setting.

New voices in cinema were also recognized, with Louise Courvoisier winning Best First Film for Twenty Gods, a remarkable debut that signaled the arrival of a bold new directorial talent. In animation, Gints Zilbalodis took home Best Animated Film for Flow (Straume), an exquisitely crafted film that continued his tradition of visually stunning and emotionally resonant storytelling.

The Best Documentary award was presented to David Hertzog Dessites for Il était une fois Michel Legrand, a heartfelt tribute to the legendary composer that offered a fascinating glimpse into his life and artistic legacy. Meanwhile, in the realm of television, the award for Best Series or Miniseries went to La Fièvre (Canal+), created by Éric Benzekri, further solidifying the strength of French television storytelling and its ability to captivate audiences with compelling narratives.

The 2025 Paris Film Critics Awards once again proved why it is one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the film industry. With an exceptional lineup of winners, this edition highlighted the best of French and international cinema, celebrating both established masters and rising stars. As the night came to a close, the event reaffirmed its commitment to honoring artistic excellence and ensuring that cinema remains a powerful force for storytelling, innovation, and emotional resonance.

The winners list : 

Best Film
Emilia Pérez  / Michel Audiard 

Best Director 
Coralie Fargeat / The Substance 
  
Best Actress 
Demi Moore / The Substance  

Best Actor
Karim Leklou / Le Roman de Jim  

Best Supporting Actress 
Zoe Saldaña / Emilia Perez

Best Supporting Actor 
Pierre Lottin / Quand vient l'automne

Best Newcomer, Female
Mallory Wanecque / L'Amour ouf   

Best Newcomer, Male
Abou Sangaré / L'Histoire de Souleymane  

Best Original Screenplay 
Seeds of the Wild Fig Tree / Mohammad Rasoulof 

Best Adaptation
The Most Precious of Goods / Michel Hazanavicius, Jean-Claude Grumberg 

Best Cinematography
Dune: Part 2 / Greig Fraser 

Best Editing
Emilia Pérez / Juliette Welfling 

Best Original Score
Emilia Pérez / Camille Ducol, Clément Ducol  

Best sets
The Count of Monte Cristo / Stéphane Taillasson 

Best costumes
The Count of Monte Cristo / Thierry Delettre 

Best first film
Twenty Gods / Louise Courvoisier 

Best animated film
Flow (Straume) / Gints Zilbalodis 

Best documentary
Il était une fois Michel Legrand / David Hertzog Dessites  

Best series (or mini-series) 
La Fièvre (Canal+) / Éric Benzekri

Check out our exclusive photos from the event on our Flickr page

Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville