Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
Roman Polanski’s big win on Friday at the César Awards, the French equivalent to theAcademy Awards, prompted several actresses to walk out of the ceremony.
Although Polanski, 86, did not attend the ceremony — citingplanned protestsoutside of the venue — he won best director for his filmJ’Accuse, known outside of France asAn Officer and a Spy.
As she exited the venue, she yelled out “Shame!,” according toCNN.
The disgraced film director was arrested for drugging and raping 13-year-old Samantha Greimer in 1977. He pleaded guilty to statutory rape but fled to Europe before completing his sentence.
“Distinguishing Polanski is spitting in the face of all victims. It means raping women isn’t that bad,” Haenel previously toldThe New York Times.
Video posted online shows thatPortrait of a Lady on Firedirector Céline Sciamma — who was also up for the award— also walked out, as did actress Noemie Merlant and several others, according toThe Advocate.
American actressJessica Chastain, who has been very vocal aboutsexual harassment in Hollywood,applauded Haenel on Twitter, sharing avideo of her walkoutcaptioned: “I F— STAN.”
French feminist collective NousToutescalled Polanski’s win “shameful”in a statement, according to CNN.
“We know how this evening will unfold already,” Polanskitold the AFP news agencyahead of the ceremony. “Activists are already threatening me with a public lynching, with some saying they are going to protest outside.”
He added: “What place can there be in such deplorable conditions for a film about the defense of truth, the fight for justice, blind hate and antisemitism?”
Several actresses went on to defend Polanski after the ceremony.
“When I love someone, I love them passionately. And I love Roman Polanski a lot … a lot … So I’m very happy for him. Then, I understand that not everyone agrees but long live freedom!” actress Fanny Ardant told reporters, according to CNN.
Brigitte Bardot also shared ahand-written messageto the director on Twitter, writing: “Thankfully Polanski exists and he is saving cinema from its mediocrity! I judge him on his talent and not on his private life! I regret never having shot with him!”
Roman Polanski.Oleg Nikishin/Epsilon/Getty
He pled guilty to engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse after 13-year-old Samantha Geimer accused him of getting her drunk and giving her part of a Quaalude at a California hotel.
His film, which also won for adapted screenplay and costumes, is a dramatization of the Alfred Dreyfus scandal in 19th century France. Dreyfus was a French Jewish army captain who was falsely accused of spying for the Germans in 1894. He was convicted and imprisoned and later exonerated in 1906.
source: people.com
