Nov 10, 2008–Foreign-language Oscar entry “The Class” (“Entre les murs”) is among seven pics nommed for the Louis Delluc prize, one of Gaul¬ís most prestigious film awards.
Now more than 70 years old, the prize is French cinema's top recognition for artistic achievement. The jury of leading critics, led by Cannes festival head Gilles Jacob, usually singles out more challenging films than the Cesars.
As well as Laurent Cantet¬ís “The Class,” the jury has chosen pics from two previous winners: “Le Premier venu” (Just Anybody) by Jacques Doillon and “Un Conte de Noel” (A Christmas Tale) by Arnaud Desplechin.
The list also includes “Seraphine” by Martin Provost, “L'Heure d'ete” (Summer Hours) by Olivier Assayas, “Dernier maquis” (Adhen) by Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche and docu “La Vie moderne” (Modern Life) by Raymond Depardon.
Three features compete for the Delluc first film prize: “Versailles” by Pierre Schoeller, with recently deceased Guillaume Depardieu toplining; docu “Elle s'appelle Sabine” (Her Name Is Sabine) by thesp Sandrine Bonnaire; and “Le Tueur” (The Killer) by Cedric Anger.
Winners will be announced December 12, 2008 in Paris.
Last year¬ís prize was won by “La Graine et le mullet” (“The Secret of the Grain”), helmed by Abdellatif Kechiche.
