"The Social Network" Wins Cesar Award

First given out in 1975, the César Award is the national film award of France. Some even think of the César Award as the French equivalent of the American Academy Awards. The nominations are selected by the members of the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma, and the award ceremony is held in Paris each February.  The name of the award comes from the late sculptor César Baldaccini, and the trophies are actual sculptures of the artist.

The 36th Cesar Awards were presented on Friday, February 25, 2011.  Of note to Americans, The Social Network won "Best Foreign Film."

The 36th (2011) César Award winners:

Best Film: "Of Gods and Men" ("Des Hommes Et Des Dieu")

Best Director: Roman Polanski, "The Ghost Writer"

Best Foreign Film: "The Social Network"

Best Actress: Sara Forestier, "Le Nom Des Gens" ("The Names of Love")

Best Actor: Eric Elmosnino, "Gainsbourg"

Best Supporting Actress: Anne Alvaro, "Le Bruit Des Glaçons" ("The Clink of Ice")

Best Supporting Actor: Michael Lonsdale, "Of Gods and Men" ("Des Hommes Et Des Dieux")

Best First Film: "Gainsbourg" ("Vie Héroïque")

Best Original Screenplay: Baya Kasmi, Michel Leclerc, "Le Nom Des Gens"

Best Adapted Screenplay: Robert Harris, Roman Polanski, "The Ghost Writer"

Best Documentary: "Océans"

Best Animated Film: "L’Illusioniste" ("The Illusionist")

Best Short Film: "Logorama"

Best Newcomer (Female): Leïla Bekhti, "Tout Ce Qui Brille"

Best Newcomer (Male): Edgar Ramirez, "Carlos"

Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, "The Ghost Writer"

Best Sound: Daniel Sobrino, Jean Goudier, Cyril Holtz, "Gainsbourg"

Best Cinematography: Caroline Champetier, "Of Gods and Men" ("Des Hommes Et Des Dieux")

Best Editing: Hervé de Luz, "The Ghost Writer"

Best Costume Design: Caroline De Vivaise, "La Princesse De Montpensier"

Best Art Direction: Hugues Tissandier, "Les Adventures Extraordinaries D'Adèle Blanc-Sec"