For 17 years, 3iS has been supporting the César Academy during the César Awards ceremony and all related events: the Producers’ Dinner and the Toscan du Plantier Prize, the César & Techniques ceremony, and the short film brunch.
For the ceremony itself, each year around ten students and alumni are involved in covering the event under real professional conditions. The assignment is structured in three stages — before, during, and after the ceremony — under the supervision of director Vincent Mottez.
The César Awards: France’s highest film distinction
Also known as La Nuit des César, the first ceremony took place in 1976. It is the annual flagship event of the Académie des César, which brings together more than 4,900 voting members (all professionals from the film industry) and rewards artists, technicians, and films.
The César itself refers to the prestigious trophy designed and sculpted by the artist César, commissioned by Georges Cravenne when the Academy was founded. Standing 30 cm tall and weighing 3.7 kg, the statuette is made from compressed metal objects. It was created as France’s answer to the famous Oscar awarded in the United States.
Before the ceremony: the intensity of the red carpet
For nearly three hours, 3iS teams film the arrival of cars, the guests’ photocall, interviews conducted by the Academy’s journalist, as well as the entrance of nominees and public figures into the venue.
Camera on shoulder, live sound management, constant responsiveness — the red carpet is a true test of endurance and precision.
During the ceremony: precision and coordination
From 8:30 PM, the setup moves backstage. Our students in image production cover:
- the winners’ photocall
- the live engraving of trophies (César awards are engraved at the very moment they are awarded)
- the official photo studio
- backstage areas
In the control room, students in visual directing operate robotic PTZ cameras, while a VFX operator works with the Academy’s director on graphic overlays and name displays.
A true craftsmanship-level operation, where every detail matters.
After the ceremony: extending the experience
The evening continues at the Fouquet’s, where our camera operators film the official dinner.
Another student covers the departure of guests heading to various private after-parties across Paris.
A unique professional immersion
This partnership goes far beyond technical presence. It offers students a full immersion in a high-level professional environment.
On site, they are not seen as students, but as full professionals. This is what makes the partnership between 3iS and the Académie des César so strong: trust, rigor, and transmission of knowledge.
Being at the heart of the César Awards means taking part in the history of French cinema.
And for our students, it is a foundational experience.
