Roman Polanski, Involved in Multiple Sexual Crime Cases, Leads C?sar Awards with Most Nominations

Director Roman Polanski / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] The latest film by French veteran director Roman Polanski (86), who has been criticized for multiple sexual crime cases, titled 'An Officer and a Spy,' has been nominated for the most categories at the C?sar Awards, known as the 'French Oscars,' sparking backlash.

According to the French Academy of Cinema Arts on the 29th (local time), 'An Officer and a Spy' has been nominated in a total of 12 categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, at the 45th C?sar Awards to be held on the 28th of next month.

The film is a historical drama about the 'Dreyfus Affair,' in which Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the 19th-century French army, was falsely accused of being a German spy and imprisoned. It achieved box office success in France, with 1.5 million viewers.

Just before its local release, additional allegations of Polanski's past sexual crimes were revealed, leading to the cancellation of interviews with the lead actors and a boycott movement against the film.

Previously, director Polanski was charged in 1977 in Los Angeles, USA, for having sexual relations with a 13-year-old minor and admitted guilt. However, the conditional plea bargain for a reduced sentence was rejected by the court, and he left the United States the following year, remaining a fugitive for nearly 40 years. The US reportedly attempted several times to summon and prosecute Polanski but failed.

He was also sued in Switzerland for another sexual assault allegation but was not prosecuted due to the statute of limitations.

The fact that Polanski's work became the most nominated film at the C?sar Awards has sparked strong criticism.

The women's group 'Osez le F?minisme' tweeted, "If rape is art, then give all the C?sar Awards to Polanski," criticizing, "Praising a fugitive rapist and child sex offender silences the victims."

Marl?ne Schiappa, Secretary of State for Gender Equality, also pointed out, "The French film industry clearly has a long way to go regarding sexual violence and sexism, yet it ignores the victims who have spoken out against women and sexual violence."

The C?sar Awards organizing committee stated that there is no problem. Alain Terzian, president of the French Academy of Cinema Arts, reportedly said, "Already 1.5 million French viewers have seen this film," and "There should be no prejudice in selecting nominees."