Brigitte Bardot Tribute Met with Boos at French Césars Awards
A tribute to the late French film star Brigitte Bardot was loudly booed during the Césars ceremony, France's equivalent of the Oscars, on Thursday night, February 26th. The montage, featuring clips from Bardot's iconic movies and archival footage, was met with audible disapproval from attendees at L'Olympia in Paris, as captured in social media videos.
Controversial Legacy Overshadows Cinematic Achievements
Bardot, who passed away in December 2025 at age 91, achieved global stardom in the 1950s as a symbol of the sexual revolution and French New Wave cinema. However, her later years were dominated by controversy due to repeated racist and offensive remarks. French publication Paris March reported that some audience members chanted "racist" as the tribute aired, reflecting ongoing debates about her legacy.
The Parisian actor, often described as a "sex kitten" by critics, worked with pioneering directors like Roger Vadim and Jean-Luc Godard but never pursued Hollywood fame, focusing instead on European cinema. She retired from acting at 39 in 1973 to dedicate herself to animal rights activism through her foundation, also pursuing a singing career that included collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg.
History of Offensive Statements and Legal Challenges
Bardot's controversial statements included referring to gay people as "fairground freaks" in a 2004 book and claiming France was being "infiltrated" by "sheep-slaughtering Muslims." Between 1997 and 2008, she faced five court cases on charges of inciting racial hatred. Her personal life also drew attention, particularly her 1992 marriage to Bernard d'Ormale, an adviser to ultra-right-wing National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Following her death, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation hailed her as "a world-renowned actress and singer" who abandoned her career for animal welfare. French President Emmanuel Macron praised her "films, voice, dazzling glory, and generous passion for animals," calling her "a legend of the century." Yet, many commentators and public figures have emphasized her problematic history.
Mixed Reactions from the Entertainment World
While tributes poured in from some entertainment circles, others retracted their praise after learning of Bardot's controversies. Singer Chappell Roan publicly backtracked on social media, stating, "Holy s*** I did not know all that insane shit Ms Bardot stood for. I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn." This incident underscores the ongoing tension between celebrating Bardot's cinematic impact and condemning her offensive views.
The booing at the Césars highlights a broader cultural reckoning, where audiences are increasingly holding historical figures accountable for their actions and statements, even as their artistic contributions are remembered.
