'Amour' leads contenders for France's César awards

The Oscar-nominated film "Amour", which won the Golden Globe for best foreign-language film earlier this month, is set to be one of the leading contenders at France’s César movie awards. The prizes will be awarded in Paris on February 22. By News Wires (text) Oscar-nominated "Amour," which scooped up a Golden Globe for best foreign language film earlier this month, is one of the top contenders for France's top movie awards, the Cesars, officials said Friday. The Franco-Austrian picture, also a winner of the Palme d'Or award at last year's Cannes festival, has been nominated in 10 different categories, including best movie. The winners will be presented in a ceremony in Paris on February 22. "Amour" star Emmanuelle Riva is among seven contenders for best actress, competing against nominees including Marion Cotillard, who acted in "Rust and Bone." French acting legend Jean-Louis Trintignant is competing in the men's best acting category. Austrian director Michael Haneke, who has been nominated best director, is up against contenders including Leos Carax, who directed "Holy Motors." Haneke has in recent years established himself as one of the most important film directors in Europe, with films like "The Piano Teacher," "Cache," and "Funny Games." "Amour," the heart-wrenching tale of a man and his dying wife, won Haneke a Golden Globe in Beverly Hills on January 13. The film has been nominated in five categories including best picture in the Academy Awards, to be held February 24.