PARIS, Jan 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Home-made hit "Monte Cristo" topped the 
nominations released Wednesday for the Cesars, France's version of the 
Oscars, followed closely by international awards season frontrunner "Emilia 
Perez".

"Monte Cristo", a high-budget French adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' epic 
novel "The Count of Monte Cristo", was the second most-watched film in French 
cinemas last year and leads the Cesars nominations with 14.

Lead actor Pierre Niney is the frontrunner in the best actor category, but 
faces competition from Francois Civil who starred in the surprise French 
comedy hit of the year, "Un p'tit truc en plus" ("A Little Something Extra").

The film about a father and son who go to work in a holiday camp for people 
with disabilities topped the French 2024 box office and picked up 13 
nominations.

"Emilia Perez", directed by Frenchman Jacques Audiard and the most-nominated 
film for the Oscars, was picked in 12 categories for the Cesars, including 
best film and best director.

The surreal musical odyssey about a narco boss who transitions to life as a 
woman shattered the record for the most Academy Award nominations for a non-
English-language film last week with 13 Oscar nominations.

It was also the second-most nominated film for Britain's BAFTA awards, 
according to the shortlist unveiled on January 15, behind Vatican thriller 
"Conclave".

The Cesars will be handed out in Paris on February 28 marking the 50th 
anniversary of the awards.

Winners are picked by the 4,951 members of the Cesars academy.