X Cinema Exodus Continues As France’s César Academy Quits Platform

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France’s Academy of Cinema Arts and Techniques, which oversees the prestigious César awards, has announced it is quitting X (formerly Twitter), saying the social network is no longer in step with its mission and values. “This decision, proposed by the executive board and unanimously validated by the House of Representatives of the Association, is in keeping with the fundamental principles of the Academy in terms of ethics and integrity,” the body said in a statement. “The Academy’s mission is to promote cinema in all its diversity.

It defends all forms of artistic expression, without distinction of origin or identity of those who collaborate in the production or marketing of films.” The body said that X, and “in particular positions taken by” owner Elon Musk, no longer corresponded to its values and that as result it was withdrawing from the platform.

The departure follows in the wake of a number of European cinema bodies and figures quitting X in recent months – including the Berlinale and Venice head Alberto Barbera – amid concerns about a surge in disinformation and abusive content on the platform since Musk took ownership in 2022.

The César academy has already taken down its X account but continues to post on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. The academy is gearing up to unveil the nominations on January 29 for the 50th awards ceremony on February 28 Catherine Deneuve will preside over the ceremony in Paris overseen by director Cédric Klapisch with presenters including Jean-Pascal Zadi, Emmanuelle Béart, Ludivine Sagnier and Justine Triet.