By Liza Foreman
In the heart of Paris, where cinema is not just entertainment but a deeply revered art form, the 30th Lumières Awards ceremony unfolded on Monday, January 20th, 2025, at the Forum des Images.
This year’s event was nothing short of a cinematic coronation, with Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez sweeping the evening with an unprecedented five awards and etching its name into the annals of French film history.
The Lumières Awards, often considered a harbinger of the prestigious César Awards, have long been a critical milestone in the French film industry. Voted on by international press correspondents from 38 countries, these awards carry a unique prestige that goes beyond mere recognition—they represent a global artistic validation of French cinema.
Audiard, a veteran filmmaker, made his third win in this category (previously also in 2006 and 2019), while his Best Director award is his fourth — a testament to his evolution as a filmmaker.
These are not just wins; they are records that solidify his status as a contemporary master of French cinema.
Emilia Pérez dominated the evening, clinching awards for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Actress (Karla Sofía Gascón), and Best Music (Camille and Clément Ducol).
This clean sweep is rare and speaks volumes about the film’s artistic cohesion and profound storytelling.
The awards ceremony has a rich history of celebrating groundbreaking cinema. Since its inception, the Lumières have been a platform that discovers and elevates emerging talents while honoring established directors. In the early years, filmmakers like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, who were part of the French New Wave movement, were celebrated here, transforming the awards into a cultural institution that reflects the dynamism of French cinema.
This year’s supporting winners also tell compelling stories. Abou Sangare was honored as Best Actor for L’Histoire de Souleymane by Boris Lojkine, a film that explores deep human narratives. The Best First Film category, often a breeding ground for future cinematic talents, was won by Louise Courvoisier’s Vingt Dieux, with Clément Faveau also receiving the Male Revelation award.
Mati Diop’s documentary Dahomey won Best Documentary, continuing the tradition of the Lumières in recognizing powerful non-fiction storytelling. This award reflects the growing importance of documentaries in understanding complex social and cultural narratives.
The international scope of the awards was highlighted by Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, winning Best International Co-Production, demonstrating the global nature of contemporary filmmaking.
Historically, the Lumières Awards have been more than just an annual event — they’re a cultural touchstone. In the 1990s and early 2000s, they became a crucial platform for recognizing films that challenged societal norms and pushed artistic boundaries. Directors like Agnès Varda, Claire Denis, and later Céline Sciamma found early recognition through these awards, which have consistently championed diverse and innovative storytelling.
The ceremony, held at the Forum des Images, is itself symbolic. Located in the historic Les Halles district, this venue represents the intersection of Paris’s rich cultural heritage and its dynamic, contemporary artistic scene. The awards are not just a celebration of individual achievements but a collective acknowledgment of cinema’s power to tell profound, transformative stories.
The extensive list of supporters—from Unifrance to the City of Paris, from the International Institute of Image and Sound to the Paris Mint—underscores the collaborative spirit that drives French cinema. These institutions don’t just support the awards; they invest in the cultural ecosystem that nurtures filmmaking talent. The historic institute of the Paris Mint even creates the trophies.
The Lumière Awards are named after the pioneering Lumière brothers who were instrumental in the early development of cinema. The awards were created to recognize outstanding achievements in French filmmaking, much like the César Awards, but with a distinct focus on honoring the artistic and creative talents within the French film industry. The awards take place annually in Paris and have become an important event in the French cinematic calendar.
They are voted for by members of the Lumieres Academy, which also includes journalists not specialized in film.
