Festivals - TAFFF2024 : First-Ever Franco-American Cultural Fund Achievement Award Honors Legendary Director Jacques Audiard

By Mulder, 30 october 2024

For the first time in its 28-year history, The American French Film Festival (TAFFF) presented the Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF) Achievement Award to a director. Last night in Los Angeles at the DGA Theater, the honor went to Jacques Audiard, a luminary in world cinema whose career spans over three decades. Audiard’s latest film, Emilia Pérez, served as the Opening Night film of the festival and has been selected as France’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Audiard accepted the award from FACF President and SACEM CEO Cecile Rap-Veber and acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann.

The evening was a testament to Audiard’s impact on cinema. “Jacques Audiard’s body of work…is so singular and innovative in how it profoundly and sensorially immerses us within his people and their worlds,” said Michael Mann in his tribute. He described Emilia Pérez as "a rare event; a contemporary masterpiece," emphasizing that it goes beyond being a remarkable film to becoming a profound cinematic experience. Mann’s remarks underscored the global influence of Audiard’s work, celebrated not only for its narrative mastery but also for its emotional depth and sensory impact on audiences.

Born in Paris in 1952, Jacques Audiard has become one of France’s most respected directors. Over his illustrious career, he has received both the César Award for Best Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language twice. His 2005 film, De battre mon cœur s’est arrêté (The Beat That My Heart Skipped), was critically acclaimed, and Un prophète (A Prophet) in 2010 won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, a BAFTA Award, and earned widespread recognition as a modern classic of French cinema. His 2012 film De rouille et d'os (Rust and Bone), featuring Marion Cotillard, competed for the Palme d'Or and won Best Film at the BFI London Film Festival. Later, Dheepan (2015) went on to win the Palme d’Or at Cannes, one of the highest honors in global cinema. More recently, Les Olympiades (Paris, 13th District) and Sister's Brothers expanded his influence internationally, with the latter earning him the Silver Lion for Best Direction at the Venice Film Festival.

Emilia Pérez, Audiard’s latest work, premiered at Cannes in 2024, winning both the Jury Prize and the Best Actress Award for the film’s ensemble cast, including standout performances by Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Karla Sofía Gascón. The film has since been chosen as France's contender for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming Oscars. Set against the backdrop of a deeply personal and complex narrative, Emilia Pérez continues Audiard’s legacy of exploring intense human emotions and relationships, a hallmark of his work.

The FACF Achievement Award ceremony attracted a notable audience, including the Emilia Pérez cast, composers -Camile- and Clément Ducol, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, TAFFF Director and Programmer Francois Truffart, and TAFFF Deputy Director Anouchka van Riel. This presentation was a significant moment not only for TAFFF but also for the Franco-American Cultural Fund (FACF), which co-presents the festival each year. This award highlights the FACF’s dedication to fostering cultural connections between France and the United States, showcasing French films and honoring cinematic artistry that transcends borders.

TAFFF 2024 continues through Sunday, November 3, presenting 60 films and series, which include 14 shorts, 14 series and TV movies, and 32 feature films and documentaries. Many of these screenings will be North American and U.S. premieres, giving attendees unique access to groundbreaking works from both nations. Additionally, 59 of these selections are in competition for the coveted American French Film Festival Awards, reflecting TAFFF's role as an essential platform for French-American cultural exchange.

Founded and produced by the Franco-American Cultural Fund, TAFFF represents a rare collaboration between influential organizations: the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), France’s Society of Authors, Composers, and Publishers of Music (SACEM), and the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW). This collaborative spirit fuels the festival’s dedication to promoting cinematic creativity across borders, while offering filmmakers and audiences a space to connect over shared artistic values. The festival also receives support from Unifrance, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and France’s Society of Authors, Directors, and Producers (l’ARP), further emphasizing its cultural significance.

TAFFF 2024’s impact is underscored by its partnerships with sponsors across various industries. Notable partners include Air Tahiti Nui, ELMA, L’Oréal, Champagne Louis Roederer, and Variety, all serving as official sponsors. Netflix, the Opening Night Sponsor, was especially prominent in celebrating Audiard and Emilia Pérez, emphasizing the growing role of streaming platforms in global cinema. Premier sponsors include Barnstormer, France Télévisions, The Hollywood Reporter, and LAist 89.3, while Major Sponsors include AmaWaterways, The Envelope Los Angeles Times, Sunset Marquis, Titra Film, TV5 Monde, and West Coast Event Productions.

In addition to its cultural and artistic showcases, TAFFF 2024 offers educational opportunities through its partnership with ELMA, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to fostering the next generation of filmmakers and creatives. With its unique blend of French and American film perspectives, TAFFF continues to be an indispensable platform for celebrating cinematic achievements and fostering artistic exchange between two of the world’s most influential film industries.

As the festival unfolds, audiences and filmmakers alike are reminded of cinema’s power to bridge cultures, evoke empathy, and inspire dialogue. TAFFF’s presentation of the FACF Achievement Award to Jacques Audiard marks not only a significant moment in the festival’s history but also celebrates a cinematic career that has shaped, challenged, and elevated the art form, making Audiard a fitting recipient of this landmark award.

Photos :  Copyright Philip Guerrette

(Source : press release)