Last Updated on 27 February 2026 by frenchflicks
The stars gathered, the envelopes were opened, and the highest honors in French cinema have been bestowed. The César Awards—France’s answer to the Oscars—always provide the ultimate roadmap for what to watch if you want to stay ahead of the curve in world cinema.
If you’re feeling a bit of “FOMO” watching the highlights from across the Atlantic, don’t worry. You don’t need a red carpet invite to catch classic French movies. This March, TV5MONDE+ is bringing the ceremony’s prestige straight to your living room with a special collection of César-winning and nominated films.
From gritty modern dramas to timeless animated gems, here are the top picks to add to your watchlist.
César-Award Nominees and Winners to stream now
Junkyard Dog (Chien de la casse)
The breakout sensation of the year. Director Jean-Baptiste Durand delivers a raw, witty, and deeply moving look at male friendship in a quiet French village. The film was a heavy hitter at the Césars, winning Best First Film, while its lead, Raphaël Quenard, took home the Best Male Revelation award for his electric performance. It’s a “must-watch” for anyone who loves character-driven storytelling.
Sister (L’enfant d’en haut)
Set against the stark, beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Ursula Meier’s drama follows a young boy who steals from wealthy tourists to support his sister. This poignant film earned Léa Seydoux a Best Actress nomination and won a Special Silver Bear at Berlin before its César run. It’s a powerful exploration of class and family survival.
The Royal Way (La voie Royale)
What does it take to climb the social ladder in France? This film follows Sophie, a brilliant girl from a farming background who enters a prestigious “classe préparatoire.” Highlighting the intensity of French academia, the film earned several nominations, including a Best Female Revelation nod for its star, Suzanne Jouannet.
My Golden Days (Trois souvenirs de ma jeunesse)
Arnaud Desplechin is a darling of the French film industry, and this film is his crown jewel. A prequel to his earlier works, it’s a nostalgic, beautifully shot dive into the memories of a man’s first love. It famously won the César for Best Director, proving that Desplechin remains a master of the cinematic “coming-of-age” genre.
Peppermint Soda (Diabolo menthe)
A cult classic that paved the way for generations of French filmmakers. Diane Kurys’ semi-autobiographical debut about two sisters in a 1960s girls’ school captures the awkwardness and rebellion of youth with perfect clarity. While it’s a vintage pick, its legacy is felt every year at the Césars when new female-led stories take the stage.
Alice and the Mayor (Alice et le maire)
When a long-serving mayor (Fabrice Luchini) loses his “thirst for thought,” he hires a brilliant young philosopher (Anaïs Demoustier) to revitalize his mind. This witty, intellectual comedy was a critical darling, earning Anaïs Demoustier the César for Best Actress. It’s the perfect film for those who love sharp dialogue and French political wit.
So Help Me God (Ni juge ni soumise)
This is not your average legal documentary. Following the eccentric and blunt Judge Anne Gruwez in Brussels, this film is by turns hilarious, shocking, and deeply tragic. It rightfully won the César for Best Documentary Film, offering a “fly-on-the-wall” look at the justice system that is stranger than fiction.
Violette (Violette Nozière)
Directed by the legendary Claude Chabrol, this film features Isabelle Huppert in one of her most haunting roles as a real-life 1930s parricide. Huppert received a Best Actress nomination at the Césars (and won at Cannes) for her portrayal of the enigmatic Violette. It’s a chilly, atmospheric masterpiece of French crime drama.
I’m Not a Bastard (Je ne suis pas un salaud)
A tense, gritty social drama that centers on a man struggling to keep his life together after an assault. Nicolas Duvauchelle’s powerhouse performance earned him a Best Actor nomination. The film is a brutal but honest look at morality, justice, and the labels society places on us.
No Dogs or Italians Allowed (Interdit aux chiens et aux italiens)
France is a world leader in animation, and this film is the gold standard. Winner of the César for Best Animated Film, it uses charming stop-motion to tell the director’s own family history of immigration from Italy to France. It is whimsical, deeply moving, and visually stunning.
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