Brigitte Bardot Tribute at César Awards Sparks Controversy with Boos and Accusations
A tribute to the late French film icon Brigitte Bardot during the César awards ceremony on Thursday was met with a mix of applause and loud boos from the audience. In a video clip posted by Paris Match, the boos are clearly audible, along with a shout of "racist!" that echoed through the venue. The César awards are France's equivalent of the Oscars, and this incident underscores the deeply divided legacy of Bardot, who passed away in December at the age of 91.
Bardot's Complex Legacy: From Cinema Star to Far-Right Activist
Bardot rose to fame as one of the most celebrated figures in postwar French cinema, starring in iconic films such as And God Created Woman and Contempt. However, after retiring from acting in the early 1970s, her later years were marked by increasing political activism on the far right. This shift resulted in multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred, tarnishing her reputation among many fans and critics alike.
Her controversial stance was highlighted in 2003 with the publication of her book, A Cry in the Silence, which targeted gay men, lesbians, schoolteachers, and what she described as the "Islamisation of French society." French courts fined her repeatedly for racist and homophobic comments, particularly those aimed at France's Muslim community. Despite her earlier "sex kitten" image in the 1950s and 60s, and her later work in animal rights activism, Bardot's political views have left a lasting stain on her legacy.
Mixed Reactions and Public Backlash
The mixed nature of Bardot's legacy was further illustrated by musician Chappell Roan, who deleted a social media tribute to the actor following her death. Roan wrote, "Holy shit I did not know all that insane shit Ms Bardot stood for. I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn." This reaction reflects a broader public sentiment that has grown increasingly critical of Bardot's later years.
The César awards themselves are no strangers to protest and controversy. Recent examples include Corinne Masiero's "naked" stunt in 2021 and a walkout in 2020 after Roman Polanski won the best director award. This year's incident adds to a history of contentious moments at the ceremony, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the French film industry and society at large.
Other Winners at the César Awards
Amid the controversy, the ceremony also celebrated achievements in filmmaking. The family drama The Ties That Bind Us, directed by Carine Tardieu, won the César for best film. Additionally, Richard Linklater took home the award for best director for Nouvelle Vague, his film about the making of Godard's Breathless. These wins provided a counterpoint to the divisive tribute, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary French cinema.
Overall, the boos and accusations at the César awards serve as a poignant reminder of Bardot's complicated legacy, blending cinematic brilliance with deeply problematic political activism. As France continues to grapple with issues of racism and intolerance, this incident underscores the enduring impact of public figures' actions long after their peak fame.
