Brigitte Bardot Tribute Met with Boos and 'Racist' Chants at César Awards.

The 51st César Awards Ceremony

According to TSN.ua: The 51st César Awards ceremony, France's top film honors, took place in Paris on February 26, 2026. The event was dedicated to the memory of iconic actress Brigitte Bardot, who passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91. Her career achievements and contributions to cinema were highlighted through numerous speeches and tributes during the night. Bardot, a global sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, later became a controversial figure for her outspoken political and social views.

Bardot's funeral was held earlier, on January 7, 2026, and she was laid to rest in a cemetery in Saint-Tropez, France. In 2003, she published a significant book in her later career titled 'A Cry in the Silence'.

Audience Backlash During the Ceremony

The memorial segment honoring Bardot concluded in scandal, as a portion of the audience began to boo. Shouts of 'racist' were heard from the crowd, creating a tense and divided atmosphere in the hall. This incident transformed the evening into a major topic of debate and sparked outrage among some attendees. Consequently, the 51st César Awards will be remembered not only for its tribute to a cinematic legend but also as a moment of public discord.

The César Awards are a cornerstone event in the French film industry. This year's ceremony underscored the complex social issues that persist in society. The audience's mixed reaction to the Bardot tributes demonstrates that her legacy evokes strong and conflicting emotions, largely due to her later-life commentary on political and social matters. It highlights the ongoing importance of openly discussing the cultural and ethical dimensions surrounding public figures and their societal impact.