Brigitte Bardot Tribute at César Awards Sparks Controversy with Boos and Protests
A tribute to the late French cinema legend Brigitte Bardot during the César awards ceremony on Thursday was met with a mixed reception, including audible boos and shouts of "racist" from the audience. The César awards, often described as France's equivalent of the Oscars, featured a segment honoring Bardot, who passed away in December at the age of 91. In a video clip posted by Paris Match, the boos can clearly be heard interspersed with applause, underscoring the divisive nature of Bardot's legacy.
Bardot's Complex Legacy in French Cinema and Politics
Brigitte 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. Her "sex kitten" image in the 1950s and 1960s made her a global icon. However, after retiring from acting in the early 1970s, Bardot's later years were marked by increasing political activism on the far right, leading to multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred.
Her 2003 book, A Cry in the Silence, 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. This controversial political stance has tarnished her reputation, as illustrated by musician Chappell Roan deleting a social media tribute to Bardot after her death, stating, "Holy shit I did not know all that insane shit Ms Bardot stood for. I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn."
Protests and Reactions at the César Awards
The mixed reaction to the tribute highlights the ongoing debate over Bardot's legacy. While some applauded her contributions to cinema, others voiced their disapproval due to her racist and homophobic remarks. The César awards have a history of protest, with recent examples including Corinne Masiero's "naked" stunt in 2021 and a walkout in 2020 after Roman Polanski won the best director award.
Despite the controversy, the ceremony proceeded with other awards. Family drama The Ties That Bind Us, directed by Carine Tardieu, won the César for best film, and Richard Linklater took home the best director award for Nouvelle Vague, his film about the making of Godard's Breathless.
Reflecting on Bardot's Dual Impact
Bardot's life story is a tale of two halves: her early career as a cinematic icon and her later years as a polarizing political figure. Her animal rights activism after retirement initially garnered praise, but her shift to far-right politics and hate speech has left a stain on her legacy. The boos and shouts at the César awards serve as a stark reminder of how public figures can be remembered for both their achievements and their controversies.
This incident at the César awards underscores the broader societal tensions in France regarding issues of racism, homophobia, and the intersection of art and politics. As the film industry continues to grapple with such legacies, the tribute to Brigitte Bardot has ignited conversations about how to honor artistic contributions while acknowledging harmful actions.
